Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing opening to the 2026/2027 football season, bringing his second spell at Old Trafford to an abrupt end.
The club confirmed his departure on Thursday, November 12, 2026, through an official statement, saying a managerial change was necessary to restore the team’s competitiveness and achieve its sporting ambitions.
Carrick, who initially returned to Manchester United in January 2026 as interim head coach, was rewarded with a permanent appointment after guiding the club to third place in the Premier League last season.
Under his leadership, United won 12 of their final 17 league matches in the 2025/2026 campaign, collecting more points than any other team during that period.
However, the momentum failed to carry into the new season, with the English giants struggling to produce consistent performances across competitions.
United managed just three victories in their opening 15 matches in all competitions, while their league campaign proved particularly difficult.
The team had collected only eight points from its first 10 Premier League fixtures, leaving it 18th in the standings and deep in the relegation zone.
Their disappointing run included a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that further intensified pressure on the coaching staff.
In its announcement, Manchester United acknowledged Carrick’s contribution during his return to the club, praising his professionalism, leadership and commitment.
The club also confirmed that it would move quickly to identify a permanent replacement.
Pochettino emerges as leading replacement
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as Manchester United’s leading candidate to replace Carrick.
Reports from Sky Sports indicate that the club has reached a verbal agreement in principle with the Argentine, who currently manages the United States men’s national team.
Pochettino recently extended his contract with the US Soccer Federation until the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Manchester United would need to negotiate his release if the proposed appointment goes ahead.
Sky Sports reports that the agreement includes a release clause estimated at £7 million, although the final arrangements would need to be confirmed.
The 54-year-old is understood to be interested in taking charge at Old Trafford, with the club reportedly hoping to complete the appointment ahead of its next league fixture.
Carrick’s legacy at Old Trafford
Despite his disappointing departure as head coach, Carrick remains an important figure in Manchester United’s history.
He made 464 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2018, establishing himself as one of the most dependable midfielders of his generation.
During his playing career at Old Trafford, he won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several other major honours.
His departure marks another managerial change in Manchester United’s continuing search for stability since the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
For United supporters, attention will now turn to the appointment of a successor and whether the club can recover from its difficult start before the season slips further away.
