Manchester United dismiss Carrick, Pochettino tipped as successor

LONDON – Manchester United sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday following their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with United States coach Mauricio Pochettino widely expected to replace him.

Former United midfielder Carrick led the team to an impressive third-place finish last season, but they have collected just eight points from 10 games in the current campaign and are languishing in the relegation zone.

"Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach," the club said in a statement.

"Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions."

Carrick's final game in charge was Sunday's chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, after which he insisted he would not walk away.

However, United's hierarchy have decided to act in the hope of salvaging their season after the team managed just three wins in 15 games across all competitions.

Carrick's future was reportedly decided on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick had earned praise for steadying the team following the end of Ruben Amorim's turbulent reign in January.

However, hampered by the club's underwhelming recruitment during the transfer window, the team have endured a steep decline this season.

Carrick also struggled to maintain discipline within the squad, dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after he criticised his manager's tactics following a 4-1 defeat to Champions League debutants Como.

Defender Lisandro Martinez also criticised the club's hierarchy over their failure to bring in top-quality signings.

Pochettino has extensive Premier League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine signed a contract extension with the United States national team just three months ago, keeping him in charge until the 2030 World Cup.

However, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United had "reached a verbal agreement in principle" with Pochettino to become their new head coach. He has been linked with a move to Old Trafford on several previous occasions.

Pochettino would face a huge task in reviving a club that has struggled to regain its former dominance since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 13 years ago. United have yet to win another Premier League title since the legendary Scottish manager retired.

The Red Devils, once the dominant force in English football, have since been overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

United's next match is against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Nov 22. –AFP