Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick After Poor Start to 2026/27 Season

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of Michael Carrick as the club’s men’s first-team head coach following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.

The club announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, saying it had reached the “extremely difficult conclusion” that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions.

Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January 2026 and guided United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, winning 12 of their remaining 17 matches.

The club said United recorded the highest points tally in the league during that period under his leadership. However, the team’s poor form this season has led to his departure.

United Praise Carrick Despite Decision

Despite ending his tenure, Manchester United described Carrick as a club legend and praised his dedication, professionalism and leadership.

In its statement, the club said his achievements during the previous season would be fondly remembered, adding that it intended to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

Carrick’s exit follows United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. United went 2-0 down within the opening four minutes and later trailed 4-2 early in the second half before scoring a late comeback to secure a point.

The result came after a similar turnaround in their Champions League victory over Roma last Tuesday, but the recent performances were not enough to convince the club’s hierarchy to retain him.

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

Poor Run Ends Carrick’s United Spell

Carrick was initially appointed in January 2026 on a contract running until the end of the season, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier in the campaign.

His impressive run of 12 victories in 17 matches helped United finish third in the Premier League and secure a return to the Champions League.

He was subsequently nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award and signed a new contract on May 22, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2028.

However, United’s poor form in the current campaign proved costly, with the team managing just three wins in 15 matches.

Pochettino Linked With United Job

Manchester United are now searching for their eighth permanent head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013.

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly among the leading candidates for the position.

Pochettino has previously been considered for the United job on three occasions and is now understood to be in line for the Old Trafford role.

Punch Newspapers