Manchester United sacks manager Michael Carrick
Press coverage 2 newspapers covered this event: Al-Anba · Al-Qabas →
Manchester United has sacked team manager Michael Carrick following a disappointing start, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to be appointed as his successor at the earliest opportunity.
Translated by Qiyas from كويت نيوز — Original source
Manchester United sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday following a “disappointing start” to the English Premier League season, with widespread expectations that US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will take over the role.
The former United midfielder had led the team to a notable third-place finish last season, winning 12 of the final 17 matches and accumulating the highest points total in the league during that period.
However, the club has collected just eight points from its first ten matches this season and sits in the relegation zone (18th). “The club has reached the very difficult conclusion that a change is necessary to achieve our ambitions,” the Red Devils stated in a press release.
United added: “Michael, and always will be, one of Manchester United’s legends. As he did when he was a player, he has shown the highest levels of commitment and professionalism throughout his return to the club. His leadership and achievements last season will remain firmly etched in our memories with great appreciation.”
United revealed it intends to appoint a permanent successor to Carrick in January 2026 “as soon as possible.”
Carrick’s (45) last match in charge ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. Following that game, he emphasized that he would not resign voluntarily and expressed his intention to look forward to the international break as usual.
However, United’s management decided to act in hopes of salvaging the season, having secured only three victories in 15 matches across all competitions.
Carrick’s fate was reportedly sealed on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco attended by club co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and football director Jason Wilcox.
Carrick had received widespread praise for restoring some stability to the squad following the turbulent era of Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January.
However, the team has suffered a sharp decline this season, hampered by a transfer market that failed to meet expectations in terms of signings.
Carrick struggled to maintain discipline within the squad, notably excluding captain Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese midfielder criticized his tactical plans following a heavy 4-1 defeat to newly promoted Serie A side Como.
Additionally, Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club’s management for the lack of high-quality new signings.
Pochettino, the former manager of English clubs Tottenham and Chelsea and French side Paris Saint-Germain, faces a monumental challenge in reviving the hopes of a club that has never fully recovered from the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 13 years ago.
The Argentine had signed a contract extension with the US national team just three months ago, keeping him in charge until the 2030 World Cup.
However, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United had reached an “initial verbal agreement” with Pochettino (54), whose name has been linked with a move to Old Trafford on several previous occasions.
Once the dominant force in English football, United has fallen significantly behind Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
United’s next match is against their traditional rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
