Manchester United have announced the departure of Michael Carrick and immediately pledged to “appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible”, with Mauricio Pochettino waiting in the wings.
Carrick was relieved of his duties as Man Utd boss on Thursday morning during a face-to-face meeting with CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, held at the club’s Carrington training base.
The decision to remove Carrick was made on Wednesday, when Berrada and Wilcox travelled to Monaco for talks with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Club statement on Carrick exit
In a statement to confirm his exit, United wrote: “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.
“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.”
Final weeks in charge
Carrick was initially handed a stay of execution after a dismal 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last month that followed immediately after a heavy 4-1 away loss to Como in the Champions League.
Amid more heavy speculation over his future, Carrick was left in post for United’s trip to Chelsea the following weekend - which they lost 2-0 despite an improved first-half display.
Carrick’s short permanent tenure showed brief signs of life in a comeback against Roma - a 3-2 win that ended a run of nine winless games across all competitions - before twice hitting back from a two-goal deficit to draw 4-4 at home to Aston Villa in what proved to be his final game in charge.
Carrick led training on Tuesday and Wednesday at Carrington with the United players not currently away on international duty, despite reports that he was in line to be sacked.
Pochettino expected to take over
United are expected to swiftly appoint Pochettino as Carrick’s replacement, having now made an official approach to US Soccer as they look to trigger the $10million (£7.5m) clause that would release him from a four-year contract extension that was only signed in the summer following the World Cup on home soil.
It has been suggested that United are comfortable with Pochettino taking charge of the USA’s two upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti during the current international window.
Pochettino’s first game as United head coach could still come away at Anfield, with the Red Devils facing fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, November 22.
Their statement to sack Carrick appears to confirm that they will not consider another interim or caretaker appointment, which is how Carrick returned to the club in January after Ruben Amorim’s exit.
