Michael Carrick has been dismissed as Manchester United manager following a disastrous start to the season that has left the club in the Premier League relegation zone. The decision came after a dramatic 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa, where United twice came from two goals down, including two injury-time strikes, but still failed to climb out of the drop zone.
Carrick had avoided the sack in October after a crisis meeting between the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox following a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. That proved to be only a temporary reprieve, with the former midfielder now out of the club. Fabrizio Romano reported Carrick's dismissal with immediate effect.
Pochettino Set to Take Over
The hunt for a replacement is already complete, with former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino set to take the job after reaching an agreement to become the new Old Trafford manager earlier this week. Pochettino is currently with the USA squad for the international break, and United will pay compensation to buy him out of his contract.
Pochettino is reported to cost United around £7 million in compensation, while sacking Carrick is expected to cost the club about £5 million. Had the change been made in the summer, it would not have cost a penny in compensation, as both managers were previously out of contract.
Carrick's Second Spell
Carrick, 45, returned to United for his second spell as interim manager after Ruben Amorim's sacking in January and immediately revitalised the team, finishing third in the table and securing Champions League qualification. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS then appointed him permanent manager on a two-year contract.
However, United lost midfielder Casemiro when his contract expired in June and embarked on a rebuild. Director of football Jason Wilcox signed three midfielders in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, leaving no money for defensive and attacking reinforcements despite being outspent by all three promoted clubs.
Season of Struggles
United were humiliated by newly-promoted Hull City on the opening day, bounced back with a win against Ipswich, but then conceded a late Everton equaliser in a costly draw. They were beaten by 10-man Manchester City after Erling Haaland's only goal was incorrectly awarded, threw away a lead against Brighton, and crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle.
Three more Premier League draws followed as United tumbled down the table, and crushing losses in Europe sparked open rebellion. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the boardroom after a defeat in Madrid, saying: "I have to control myself a lot, but sometimes it's a reflection of how our club is at the moment." Martinez later apologised, but captain Bruno Fernandes then criticised Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 loss to Como 1907.
United staged a sensational comeback to beat Roma 3-2 and followed up with another inspired turnaround against Villa, but Carrick could not rid the team of the consistent problems and mistakes that plagued their season.
Pochettino is set to arrive just days before the Liverpool clash at Anfield. The Argentine managed Southampton before spending five-and-a-half years at Spurs, managing 293 games and turning a struggling side into title contenders. After an 18-month spell at PSG, where he won the French league and cup, he joined Chelsea in July 2023, winning 27 of his 51 games before being replaced by Enzo Maresca. The 54-year-old has led the USA team since 2024 and guided them to the round of 16 in their home World Cup this summer.
