Manchester United have dismissed head coach Michael Carrick after a run of 10 Premier League games with one win, leaving the club in the relegation zone. The club are now working to complete a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his successor.
United announced the decision on Thursday morning. The players were already due a mini-break from training starting Friday, which had been planned before Carrick's departure. A scaled-back squad, with most players away on international duty, will return to full training next week.
Pochettino appointment and compensation
Pochettino has been preparing the United States national team for two games against Haiti, scheduled for Saturday and Wednesday. United hope to wrap up a deal for the Argentine as soon as possible, and he should be in place for the game against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
United will have to pay around $10million (£7.4m) in compensation to release Pochettino from his USA role, with additional compensation required to release his four coaching staff members. His assistant coach Jesus Perez, assistant coach Miguel D’Agostino and goalkeeper coach Antonio Jimenez have worked with him at every job since his first role in 2009 at Espanyol. His son, sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino, began working as part of his backroom staff during his time at Tottenham.
Who could oversee training at Carrington
If Pochettino is not in place for the players' return to Carrington next week, Darren Fletcher is understood to be an option to oversee training. Fletcher previously stepped up to manage two first-team games as caretaker boss following Ruben Amorim's sacking.
United have not confirmed the fate of Carrick's backroom staff, but it is thought Steve Holland (assistant manager), Jonathan Woodgate (first-team coach) and Jonny Evans (first-team coach) have followed him out of the club. It remains to be seen whether Travis Binnion (first-team coach) and Craig Mawson (goalkeeper coach) remain in place, with the pair possibly required to help oversee training next week, provided Fletcher is even needed.
Carrick's record and departure
Carrick leaves United sitting in the Premier League relegation zone after the club's worst start to a season for 40 years. The Reds have taken just eight points from 10 league games, winning once during that run.
The 44-year-old looked set to be sacked after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth last month, but he was given three games to turn the situation around, which yielded a loss to Chelsea, a win against Roma and a draw against Aston Villa.
The official club statement announcing Carrick's sacking read: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
"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."
