Michael Carrick has been fired as Manchester United manager after just 174 days in charge, with Old Trafford chiefs confirming his departure in an official 142-word club statement
Everton v Manchester United - Premier League 2026/27
Michael Carrick has officially been let go by Man Utd(Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick's spell as Manchester United manager has come to an end. As permanent boss, Carrick lasted merely 174 days at the helm, with the majority of that period occurring during the summer break.
The news will hardly shock many observers, considering United's woeful start to the campaign. In all competitions, the Red Devils have secured victory on just three occasions.
Only one of those wins has arrived in the Premier League, with United having gone into the November international break languishing in the relegation zone, with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next up.
Yet it represents another appointment terminated within 18 months of taking charge, which hardly inspires confidence for whoever assumes the role next, with Mauricio Pochettino lined up to take over.
In the interim, United have confirmed Carrick's dismissal through a 142-word statement published on the club's official website.
It 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-place 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."
Michael Carrick has been fired by Man Utd
Michael Carrick has been fired by Man Utd(Image: Getty)
On Pochettino's potential arrival, United legend Gary Neville said: "“One thing we do know about him is he does run his players, he does put physical fitness really at the top of the agenda. He’s always had fit teams, whether they’ve won or not won,” Neville said.
“We used to train at Tottenham’s training ground when I was with England and they used to have that Tuesday – I’m calling it terror Tuesday, but it wasn’t called terror Tuesday – it was called something like that, his run was famous at that time in terms of what he does with every team, he does run them.
“One thing we do know about him is he does run his players, he does put physical fitness really at the top of the agenda. He’s always had fit teams, whether they’ve won or not won,” Neville said.
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“We used to train at Tottenham’s training ground when I was with England and they used to have that Tuesday – I’m calling it terror Tuesday, but it wasn’t called terror Tuesday – it was called something like that, his run was famous at that time in terms of what he does with every team, he does run them."