Manchester United have confirmed that they have fired Michael Carrick as their head coach.
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The widely-expected news arrived on Thursday after a run of just one win from their opening 10 Premier League games of the season which has left United in the relegation zone.
Carrick mustered just three wins in 15 games in all competitions this season, which was a huge surprise after the rousing final few months to last season which saw United surge up the table and finish third in the Premier League.
Manchester United statement on Michael Carrick in full
“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“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.
“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.”
How did Michael Carrick fare, overall?
Carrick was hired as an interim coach midway through last season with United struggling badly.
He worked wonders and totally rejuvenated them by playing smart counter-attacking football and they won 12, drew three and lost two of their 17 league games last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League under the stewardship of their former legendary midfielder.
That led to a new contract for Carrick as he became the permanent United boss and things were looking stable. But that new deal is where things unraveled.
A multitude of issues on and off the pitch, including a lack of summer additions in defense, key players lashing out at the club hierarchy and Carrick publicly and woeful results on the pitch has led to his departure.
Despite all of that Carrick still leaves as a United legend and a firm fans’ favorite, with United’s fans instead blaming the ownership, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada for the current mess.
Current USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to arrive as United’s new manager in the coming days, as reports swirl that he has verbally agreed to become the new manager of the Red Devils.
Pochettino will bring the high-pressing, defensively organized football that Carrick couldn’t usher in to take United to the next level.
