Manchester United have parted company with head coach Michael Carrick, with the club concluding that the playing squad at his disposal is considerably stronger than their current league position indicates.
Carrick had narrowly kept his job after heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth two weeks ago, when he was handed three games to demonstrate he could turn results around. However, a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge was followed by a 3-2 win over Roma and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, and the underlying problems in the team remained visible.
Board acts during international break
United's board decided during the international break that those three matches had not provided enough evidence that the team was moving in the right direction. Internally, a return of one win from 10 Premier League games has been described as "not acceptable".
Ineos, the club's owners, believe the squad is far better than the performances and results delivered so far this season, and there is optimism that a change of manager will bring about a more positive future.
Pochettino talks and Carrick's professionalism
The decision to dismiss Carrick was delayed this week while United advanced in negotiations to appoint Mauricio Pochettino. The club maintains it has followed "due process", although the handling of the departure has drawn criticism.
Carrick continued to take training sessions this week, and United sources have praised him for behaving with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the process.
From interim success to 18th place
Carrick was initially appointed on an interim basis in January, succeeding Ruben Amorim, who had left the club in sixth position. Carrick won his first two matches against Manchester City and Arsenal, eventually guiding United to a third-placed finish and securing Champions League qualification with three games to spare. That earned him a permanent role and a two-year contract.
In the summer window, United signed Karl Darlow, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, spending £150 million on a midfield rebuild while deciding against strengthening other areas of the squad.
Carrick's only wins this season came against newly promoted Ipswich, Sabah and Roma. United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton after surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford, and concerns grew following a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League and a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth days later.
Carrick leaves United 18th in the Premier League table.
