Premier League15 hours ago2 minute read

Manchester United Fire Michael Carrick as Mauricio Pochettino Negotiations Advance

Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick after slipping into the relegation zone. Mauricio Pochettino is in talks to replace him.

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Carrick Dismissed After Poor Start

Manchester United have fired head coach Michael Carrick after a difficult opening to the season. The club confirmed his departure on Thursday morning.

United sit 18th in the Premier League table, inside the relegation zone, having secured just one league win all season. Club leadership decided a change was necessary because being 18th after ten matches is not acceptable for a squad they believe is far better than recent performances show.

Carrick originally returned to Old Trafford in January after Ruben Amorim was dismissed. He led United to a third place finish last season by winning 12 of his 17 league games. That strong run earned him a two year contract in May. However, results dropped sharply during the current campaign.

Inside the Decision at Carrington

Carrick was informed of his dismissal during a meeting at Carrington on Thursday morning. He met with chief executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. That meeting followed discussions in Monaco on Wednesday between Berrada, Wilcox, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Club leaders previously gave Carrick more time following back to back defeats against Como and Bournemouth last month. They monitored the team across three subsequent matches against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa before concluding that the squad was not on the right path.

United have now parted ways with a manager midway through the season for the third consecutive year. Erik ten Hag left in October 2024, followed by Amorim in January 2026.

Pochettino Targeted as Successor

United are working quickly to secure Carrick's replacement. Talks are close to an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino, and contact has been made with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States national team. His release clause is $10 million, with his coaching staff potentially costing another $2 million. His assistant Jesus Perez is expected to join him.

Pochettino will oversee the United States in two upcoming matches against Haiti on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17 in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. United play their next match against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.