Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick After Worst-Ever Start — Pochettino Tipped to Take OverSports

“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,” United said in a statement. “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.”

United said they intended to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”. Carrick is the seventh permanent manager to be dismissed by the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Carrick impressed after taking over as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s exit in January, leading United to Champions League qualification. He was rewarded with a two-year permanent deal, but his side have endured a steep decline this season, hampered by what the club’s own assessment described as underwhelming recruitment in the summer transfer window.

United have won only three of their 15 games in all competitions this season. Carrick also struggled to maintain discipline in the dressing room, dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder criticised his manager’s tactics following a 4-1 thrashing at Champions League debutants Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez also spoke out against the club’s hierarchy over the lack of top-quality signings.

Carrick’s final game in charge was a chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, after which he stressed he would not walk away. United, however, decided to act during the international break in the hope of saving their season. It is believed his future was decided on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Pochettino has now emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over. The Argentine has extensive Premier League experience following spells in charge of Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, and he also coached Paris Saint-Germain. Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United have “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with Pochettino to become their new boss, although he signed a contract extension to remain with the United States through to the 2030 World Cup just three months ago.

Rio Ferdinand, a former team-mate of Carrick’s at United, paid tribute on X, writing: “Forever Legend! Showed dignity & class as always.”