Manchester United sack Michael Carrick after poor start to 2026-27 season
Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick, ending his second spell at Old Trafford, the club announced on 12 November 2026 after a poor start to the 2026-27 Premier League season that left them 19th after 10 matches.
Carrick had returned to Manchester in January 2026 and was initially credited with reviving the club’s fortunes, guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season. He won 12 of the remaining 17 matches after taking charge and, according to the club, United accumulated the highest points tally in the league during that period. The club made his head coach role permanent ahead of the new campaign.
This season’s results proved markedly worse: United managed just one victory in their first 10 matches, leaving them in an unexpected relegation battle and prompting the club hierarchy to act. The club said it had reached the decision despite Carrick’s achievements last season and the urgency of the current situation.
In an official statement the club thanked Carrick and set out its reasoning. "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 statement read.
The statement also paid tribute to Carrick’s service to the club. "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," the statement added.
The decision to part company was taken with the 45-year-old’s recent achievements in mind but with the club unwilling to allow the situation to deteriorate further. No replacement has been announced and the club said it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the managerial position, although Manchester United have not officially confirmed an appointment. The Argentine has considerable Premier League experience from his time at Tottenham Hotspur and has also managed Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and the United States men's national team.
United’s immediate objective has shifted towards avoiding a prolonged battle against relegation, and the incoming head coach will inherit a team in need of an immediate response.
