Michael Carrick's time as Manchester United manager is expected to end this week, with the club reportedly preparing to dismiss him after a poor run of results. The decision marks a sharp reversal from earlier in the year, when Carrick was appointed after a successful interim spell.
Carrick took over in January following Ruben Amorim's departure and oversaw an improvement in performances, eventually securing Champions League football. His results convinced the club to choose him over former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was also in contention to succeed Amorim.
Solskjaer backed his rival
Despite competing for the same role, the two former team-mates remained on good terms. Solskjaer said he actively recommended Carrick to the United hierarchy rather than trying to undermine him.
"It was a very special period. Of course it was. It was special in many ways," Solskjaer told Norwegian broadcaster TV2. "When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael. 'If you choose him, you will get a good man,' I said. I think he did the same to me."
Poor form and looming dismissal
United have won only one of their first 10 Premier League matches and sit 18th in the table. A dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, which included Patrick Dorgu's last-gasp equaliser, did little to change the outlook.
Reports on Monday indicated United were preparing to dismiss Carrick following talks between chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. On Wednesday, the pair met co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to finalise the decision.
Pochettino expected to take over
United are now pursuing Mauricio Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men's national team. The Argentine has long been linked with the Old Trafford role and is said to be keen to accept, with arrangements reportedly nearing completion.
For Carrick, the exit comes just months after guiding the club back into the Champions League, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change at Manchester United.
