Manchester United have reportedly dismissed Michael Carrick as head coach following an internal review of the club's disappointing start to the 2026/27 season. The decision brings an end to the former midfielder's latest spell at Old Trafford, with the club now preparing for another managerial change as they attempt to recover from their difficult position in the Premier League.
The 42 has reported that Carrick was informed of his dismissal on Thursday morning, 12 November, after United's leadership reviewed the team's performances. The development follows days of uncertainty surrounding his future, with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada involved in discussions before a recommendation was made to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Carrick had come under increasing pressure after United dropped into the relegation zone. Their disappointing run included a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea, a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League and a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Although the result against Villa demonstrated the team's ability to fight back, it did little to ease concerns about their overall consistency.
According to the reports, United's hierarchy had given Carrick a further opportunity to improve results before the international break. However, the club's position in 18th place after ten league matches intensified the pressure to make a change. The decision reflects the growing concern within the club about the direction of the campaign and the risk of allowing the situation to deteriorate further.
Attention has now shifted towards Mauricio Pochettino, who has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford. Sky Sports reports that United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with the Argentine, who is currently head coach of the United States men's national team. His potential appointment would bring an experienced Premier League manager back to English football.
Pochettino previously managed Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur before taking charge of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. His most memorable achievement in England was guiding Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, while his time at PSG included winning the French league title. Those experiences make him a familiar name to supporters, although managing Manchester United would present a different challenge.
His existing commitment to the United States national team remains an important part of the negotiations. Pochettino recently extended his contract until 2030, meaning United would have to reach an agreement over his departure. Reports have placed the potential cost of releasing him at approximately £7 million.
The timing of the managerial change is also significant. United are preparing for a demanding visit to Liverpool on 22 November, giving the incoming coach limited time to work with the available players before one of the biggest fixtures in English football.
For Carrick, the reported dismissal represents a difficult conclusion to a position he had hoped to make his own. His connection with United as a former player and coach had given him considerable goodwill among supporters, but results ultimately became the central issue.
Manchester United now face another important transition. Appointing Pochettino may address the immediate vacancy, but the bigger challenge will be restoring consistency, rebuilding confidence and establishing a clear footballing direction. The club's supporters will be looking beyond the identity of the next manager to see whether this latest change can finally produce lasting progress.
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