Manchester United have fired head coach Michael Carrick following a winless streak that has left the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
The club confirmed the departure on Thursday, citing a "disappointing start to the season" as the primary driver for the decision, cnn.com reported. United currently sits in 18th place after winning only one of its first 10 league matches, marking the club’s worst start in 40 years.
Michael Carrick has departed his role as @ManUtd's first-team head coach, the club has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/yWnw8AjmsQ
"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," the club stated. United officials said that they intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Mauricio Pochettino nears Old Trafford move
While no formal announcement has been made, United has reached a verbal agreement in principle for Mauricio Pochettino to take over, according to Sky Sports. Negotiations between the club and US Soccer are expected to accelerate over the next 24 hours.
Looks like we might be reaching the end game with Michael Carrick and @ManUtd. https://t.co/hxEOZfzuBo
Pochettino, who currently manages the US Men’s National Team, is anticipated to remain in charge for the United States’ upcoming matches against Haiti on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17, ESPN reported. United is reportedly comfortable with this arrangement, despite wanting to install a new manager at Old Trafford as soon as possible.
A decade of managerial instability
Carrick’s exit makes him the seventh permanent head coach to be sacked by United since the 2013 departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, cnn.com noted. The club’s decision follows a "comprehensive review" of recent results, including losses to Como and Bournemouth that prompted officials to demand more evidence of progress, ESPN reported.
🚨🔴 OFFICIAL: Michael Carrick has been sacked, Manchester United confirm. pic.twitter.com/UYsFpAmUi3
Despite the mounting pressure, Carrick oversaw training sessions as late as Wednesday. His tenure, which began with an interim appointment in January, saw a brief resurgence that earned him a two-year contract in May. However, the team’s inability to maintain that form has led to widespread criticism from fans and internal friction, including public outbursts from captain Bruno Fernandes.
Challenges for the incoming head coach
The incoming manager must revitalize a squad that appears mentally fragile and short of quality. The club’s recent management strategy—led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group—has faced scrutiny as the team remains far from its goal of winning the Premier League by 2028, cnn.com stated.
Pochettino, previously a manager at Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea, is known for a high-intensity, front-foot style of play.
“There is a fit with the people at the club too,” Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said.
🚨 Manchester United are now set to seal the agreement for Mauricio Pochettino to become the new head coach. Talks underway with US Federation after the verbal agreement reached with Pochettino and his camp. Matter of (short) time. 🔴🇦🇷 #mufc pic.twitter.com/vGkjOQ7cjH
Frequently asked questions
Who will manage Manchester United for the match against Liverpool?
United’s next fixture is scheduled for Nov. 22 against Liverpool at Anfield, ESPN reported. While Pochettino is the expected successor, it is not yet confirmed if he will be in the dugout for that match due to his international commitments.
What is the cost of hiring Mauricio Pochettino?
The release clause for Pochettino from US Soccer is $10 million, with his coaching staff likely requiring an additional $2 million, ESPN reported.
How long was Michael Carrick’s contract?
Carrick signed a two-year contract in May after his interim performance earned him the permanent head coach position, cnn.com reported.