Manchester United has dismissed Michael Carrick as manager, citing the team’s worst start to a Premier League season in forty years. The decision comes just six months after Carrick was handed a long-term contract to stabilize the club following a successful interim period. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the club stated that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions after a disappointing run of results. "Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," the club said in its statement.
The immediate trigger for the dismissal was a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, which left United in the relegation zone with only one win from ten league games. This result marks the club’s lowest point total after ten matches since the Premier League era began. Asharq Al-Awsat reported that a source with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press that United has been working on a potential deal to hire Mauricio Pochettino. The 54-year-old Argentine coach currently leads the United States men’s national team and is under contract through the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino previously managed several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham, and was a leading candidate for the United job in 2022 before Erik ten Hag was ultimately appointed. Carrick, a former United midfielder, had guided the team to third place and Champions League qualification last season, earning him the extended role. The club emphasized the difficulty of the decision but insisted it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
The firing adds to the scrutiny facing United’s ownership, including the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe. Fans have staged protests against the owners during recent matches, calling for a sale. The club’s instability is evident in its managerial history; Carrick is the eighth permanent manager appointed since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Previous appointments have included Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim, none of whom have sustained long-term success. Top players, including captain Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez, have publicly criticized tactics and leadership, exacerbating the sense of crisis within the squad. Carrick conducted training on Wednesday and was seen at the training ground on Thursday before his departure was confirmed.