Jamie Carragher has said he does not feel sorry for Michael Carrick after Manchester United dismissed the manager just 10 games into the new season, with the team sitting in the Premier League relegation places.
Carrick made a significant impact last term during a spell as interim manager, leading United into the Champions League spots after taking over from Ruben Amorim in January and losing only twice in the second half of the season. However, results have not matched that form this campaign despite a £155million summer spending spree, prompting the club's hierarchy to make a change.
Carragher's Verdict on Carrick's Appointment
Speaking shortly before the news was confirmed, Carragher suggested that Carrick's ability to land the job despite a relatively limited managerial CV means he cannot feel too sorry for him. The former Liverpool defender made his comments on the Stick to Football show.
"Michael Carrick got the job on the back of nothing. He got the job on the back of basically playing for Man United and he's done really well," Carragher said. "So this idea that we've got to feel sorry for Michael Carrick. What's happened to him in the last 18 months, he will look back at this and say it's painful for him right now but what he did to get them into the Champions League, the big games he won against Arsenal, Liverpool, all these games, he's done brilliantly."
He added: "He's had a couple of games, the Roma game and coming back for 4-4 [against Aston Villa]. Where they are in the table is obviously [an issue] but that thing of the fans chanting his name as he's going off. But I'm not sat here feeling sorry for Michael Carrick. He's not a manager who's been managing for 10 years, working all over the world to get this job at Manchester United - he had about two years at Middlesbrough, was doing a bit of punditry then got the Man United job. They gave him it."
Carrick's Record and United's Statement
Carrick lasted just 11 months in the dugout, including his interim stint. United issued a statement indicating that on-field results were the key factor in their decision, while also acknowledging his achievements last season.
"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," the statement read. "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."
The statement continued: "Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered. The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."
Mauricio Pochettino is understood to have a verbal agreement to take over, with the United States boss expected to take charge of two CONCACAF Nations League games before moving to United ahead of their league meeting with Liverpool.
