Man United sack Michael Carrick

Manchester United have sacked manager Michael Carrick with immediate effect on Thursday, bringing an end to his stuttering tenure at Old Trafford following a disappointing run of results and inconsistent performances.

Carrick first took charge as interim head coach on January 13, 2026. He later signed a permanent two-year contract on May 22, 2026.

A 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was one of the results that proved to be the final straw. It came after a poor run that had already piled pressure on him.

Carrick failed to redeem himself against Unai Emery’s Villa, just a week after failing the test at Stamford Bridge. A 3-0 loss to Bournemouth was his heaviest domestic defeat since taking charge of United.

Before then, Carrick’s side had laboured in another historic 4-1 defeat in the Champions League to Serie A side Como.

The 45-year-old’s shaky start to the season had already put him under heavy pressure from the club’s hierarchy.

A tough home game against in-form Aston Villa, which ended in a wild 4-4 draw at the weekend, seems to have pushed the men in charge at Old Trafford to make their final call.

The result stretched United’s winless run to 10 Premier League games.

Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have finally pulled the plug. It is another managerial setback for the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left on May 8, 2013.

The English manager’s time in the dugout brought United’s worst league start in 43 years. He did not even last half a season of his two-year contract.

Carrick’s departure makes it 11 men across 12 managerial spells (including permanent, interim, and caretaker roles), or 7 permanent managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago.

The former United midfielder guided the Red Devils to Champions League qualification last season, recording two crucial wins over Chelsea and convincing his employers he had what it takes to lead the 20-time league champions to a third-place finish.

However, the 2026/27 season has not been kind to the English manager. In ten Premier League games, Carrick has won just once, with five draws and four defeats.

United’s struggles under Carrick continued, with Villa happy to take a draw away from home in front of the home fans.

The result added to the pressure on Carrick, who was already facing criticism from his own players, fans and former players.

Then came the big decision. It came down to director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who had to make a recommendation to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United’s poor start has reportedly raised concerns inside the club, with Carrick under pressure to turn things around and save his job. Sadly, the 45-year-old did little to earn another lifeline.

The loss drops them further down the table and into the relegation zone. They have won just two of their 14 games in all competitions this season.

United have also lost twice in the Champions League this season, first to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, then to Cesc Fabregas’ Como in a more shocking defeat.

In a club statement, Manchester United confirmed the termination of Carrick’s contract:

“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.”

The club hierarchy reportedly decided to sack the embattled manager before the weekend game. However, the 45-year-old was given one last lifeline to beat Villa and convince the club chiefs. He failed to do so.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has a €10m release clause, has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League.

The Argentine, however, signed a contract extension with the USMNT in August 2026.

Alongside him, former England manager Gareth Southgate, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are seen as ideal candidates for the vacant role.

More to follow…