Manchester United confirm sacking of Michael Carrick as head coach before Liverpool tie

Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly lined up as his replacement.

Carrick leaves less than six months after signing a two-year contract, having overseen the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season. United sit in the relegation zone after winning just one of their opening 10 matches.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, shortly after Carrick left the training ground, United said they had reached “the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions”.

A club statement 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.”

United, who have an agreement in place with USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino, say they intend to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”.

The Argentine is expected to remain in charge of the United States for their Nations League fixtures against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday before beginning work at Old Trafford next Thursday.

Pochettino has a £7m release clause in his recently signed contract with the USA, with talks between Manchester United and the United States Soccer Federation expected to accelerate in the coming days.

Michael Carrick took training in Manchester on Wednesday as United reached a verbal agreement with Pochettino.

Meanwhile, club chiefs met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at a summit in Monaco, where the decision to sack Carrick was ratified following recommendations from chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick’s departure follows Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. United went 2-0 down inside four minutes and trailed 4-2 early in the second half before mounting a late comeback.

That recovery followed a similar turnaround in their Champions League victory over Roma last Tuesday, but it was not enough to convince the United hierarchy to keep the former midfielder in charge.

Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, who were both part of Carrick’s coaching staff, are also expected to leave the club.

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