Michael Carrick manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match West Ham United vs Manchester United at London Stadium, London, United Kingdom on 10 February 2026 (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images)
Michael Carrick manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match West Ham United vs Manchester United at London Stadium, London, United Kingdom on 10 February 2026 (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images)
Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick with immediate effect, according to an official statement from the club.
The decision brings Carrick’s time as manager at Old Trafford to an abrupt end after a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.
United’s poor form has left them in the Premier League relegation zone heading into the international break.
The statement reads:
“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.”
Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the managerial vacancy and was previously reported to be the leading candidate for the position.
United will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in their next Premier League fixture after the international break on November 22.
The Red Devils have managed just three victories in 15 matches under Carrick this season, including only one win in their opening 10 Premier League fixtures.
Their poor league form left them 18th in the table with eight points, one point from safety.
The pressure on Carrick increased after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, followed by a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.
A subsequent 2-0 defeat at Chelsea extended United’s winless run to nine matches in all competitions, their worst such sequence since 1984.
A 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League on November 3 ended that run, but United were unable to build on the result.
They subsequently came from behind twice in a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa last weekend, leaving them in the relegation zone heading into the international break.
United’s eight-game winless run in the Premier League was also a club record in the competition’s history, with their position after 10 matches their lowest since the 1986/87 season.
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