Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as manager, with both the Glazers and INEOS concluding that the squad at his disposal is significantly better than their Premier League position indicates. A solitary victory from 10 league games has been regarded internally as "not acceptable" and the club's hierarchy determined action was necessary during the international window.
Final three matches fail to convince
Carrick narrowly avoided the axe following comprehensive defeats to Como and Bournemouth a fortnight ago and was granted three matches to demonstrate his ability to change the team's trajectory. Nevertheless, United suffered a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and while they overcame Roma 3-2 and secured a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, the weaknesses in his side remained apparent.
United's hierarchy concluded they had not seen sufficient evidence across those three matches to persuade them that the squad was progressing as intended. INEOS maintain United's playing squad is considerably stronger than performances and results thus far this campaign have suggested, and there exists optimism that a new manager will see the team pick up.
Pochettino talks and due process
Carrick's dismissal has been prolonged throughout this week while the club progressed in discussions to secure Mauricio Pochettino as his successor. United insist they have adhered to "due process", though the handling of the sacking of a club legend has seen the club's decision-makers widely criticised.
Carrick continued to oversee training this week, and United sources have praised him for conducting himself with the utmost professionalism.
Appointment and summer spending
Carrick was initially appointed on an interim basis in January to replace Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese departed with United sitting sixth, and Carrick claimed victory in his first two fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal before steering the club to a third-place finish. The 45-year-old sealed Champions League football with three matches remaining and was appointed on a permanent basis in May, penning a two-year deal.
During the summer transfer window, United acquired Karl Darlow, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, investing £150million in a midfield overhaul but opting against reinforcing other positions in the squad.
Poor run of results
Carrick's sole victories this season came against newly promoted Ipswich, Sabah and Roma. United exited the Carabao Cup against Brighton, relinquishing a two-goal lead at Old Trafford, but alarm bells rang louder when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League and subsequently lost 3-0 to Bournemouth days afterwards. Carrick departs with United languishing 18th in the Premier League.
