Michael Carrick lasted just 15 matches this season as Manchester United decided to give him the chop on Thursday
Jamie Carragher on Stick to Football
Jamie Carragher has made his feelings clear on Michael Carrick
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Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher doesn't feel sorry for Michael Carrick despite the manager losing his Manchester United job. United confirmed on Thursday that Carrick has been dismissed just 10 games into the new season, with the team in the Premier League relegation places.
Carrick made a big impact last term during a spell as interim manager. He led United into the Champions League spots after taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, losing just twice in the second half of the season. However, things have not gone to plan this season despite a £155million summer splurge, with the hierarchy deciding that now was the time to make a change.
Mauricio Pochettino is understood to have a verbal agreement to take over. The United States boss is expected to take charge of two CONCACAF Nations League games before crossing the Atlantic ahead of United's league meeting with Liverpool.
Carrick has lasted just 11 months in the dugout, including that interim stint. The manner of his exit has brought some sympathy, but Carragher - speaking shortly before the news was confirmed - suggested the 45-year-old's ability to land the job despite a relatively limited managerial CV means he can't feel too sorry for him.
"Michael Carrick got the job on the back of nothing. He got the job on the back of basically playing for Man United and he's done really well," Carragher said on Stick to Football.
"So this idea that we've got to feel sorry for Michael Carrick. What's happened to him in the last 18 months, he will look back at this and say it's painful for him right now but what he did to get them into the Champions League, the big games he won against Arsenal, Liverpool, all these games, he's done brilliantly.
"He's had a couple of games, the Roma game and coming back for 4-4 [against Aston Villa]. Where they are in the table is obviously [an issue] but that thing of the fans chanting his name as he's going off.
Michael Carrick leaving Carrington
Carrick left Carrington today after being dismissed by United(Image: Martin Rickett/Press Association. EDITORIAL USE ONLY: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder)
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"But I'm not sat here feeling sorry for Michael Carrick. He's not a manager who's been managing for 10 years, working all over the world to get this job at Manchester United - he had about two years at Middlesbrough, was doing a bit of punditry, then got the Man United job. They gave him it.
"I don't feel sorry for Michael Carrick. He's been managing one of the biggest clubs in the world on the back of basically not really doing a lot. He's got them in the Champions League, he's done really well, but he was never at the calibre of managers in the Premier League - the managers in the Premier League are the best in the world and he's just not quite at that level."
United issued a statement on Saturday indicating on-field results were the key factor in their decision to axe Carrick. They were also quick to acknowledge the impressive results last season.
"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," their statement read. "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."