Manchester United sacks Carrick, with Pochettino emerging as successor

LONDON, UK | Xinhua | Manchester United announced on Thursday that Michael Carrick has left his position as head coach of the men’s first team following a disappointing start to the Premier League season.

The club said in a statement that it had reached the “extremely difficult conclusion” that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions.

Manchester United’s poor run of form has seen it drop into the Premier League relegation zone in 18th place, having recorded just one win, five draws and four defeats in its last 10 league matches.

A dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford last weekend, which followed a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the UEFA Champions League after falling two goals behind, proved insufficient to save Carrick’s job.

Carrick returned to Manchester United in January 2026 and guided the team to third place in the 2025-26 Premier League season. He won 12 of his 17 league matches in charge, with United collecting more points than any other side during that period.

In its statement, the club praised Carrick’s dedication and professionalism, saying he had consistently maintained the highest standards throughout his time at Old Trafford, both as a player and as a coach. His leadership and achievements last season, it added, would be fondly remembered.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Carrick. The club’s hierarchy is understood to be assessing potential successors, with Manchester United aiming to appoint a permanent replacement as soon as possible. ■

Share on: WhatsApp