Manchester United have sacked manager Michael Carrick after a dismal start to the season left the Red Devils languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.
The Old Trafford club confirmed the decision on Thursday morning, bringing an end to Carrick's spell in charge less than a year after his return to the dugout.
Eight points from ten games
United have collected just eight points from their opening 10 Premier League matches this season, with their latest outing ending in a remarkable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite twice coming from two goals behind to salvage a point, the result left United sitting 18th in the table and prompted further scrutiny of Carrick's position.
Club statement on Carrick exit
The club have now confirmed his departure in an official statement, admitting that a change was necessary to meet their ambitions.
It read: "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.
"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."
Replacement lined up
The announcement follows a series of high-level discussions over Carrick's future during the international break.
United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco this week, where the manager's position was discussed.
Carrick had continued to attend training at United's Carrington base despite mounting speculation over his future. However, the former England international arrived at the training ground shortly before 8am on Thursday before subsequently leaving the building.
Carrick had been informed he was no longer the club's manager ahead of United's official announcement.
Attention will now turn to his replacement, with United States men's national team boss Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate. Carrick's dismissal was expected to trigger the arrival of the former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager, although the timing of any potential appointment remains unclear.
Pochettino has extensive Premier League experience and is said to be firmly in the frame as United look to rescue a campaign that has unravelled dramatically in its opening months.
