Relegation-struggling Man Utd fire Carrick, close in on Pochettino

Manchester United have dismissed head coach Michael Carrick following the club’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 Premier League season, with former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to take over.

Carrick’s dismissal was announced on Thursday after United managed just eight points from their opening 10 league matches, leaving the former English champions in the relegation zone.

The former United midfielder had enjoyed a successful spell last season, guiding the club to third place after winning 12 of their remaining 17 matches in the 2025/26 campaign.

However, the team’s poor performances this season, including just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions, reportedly convinced the club’s hierarchy that a managerial change was necessary.

In a statement confirming his departure, Manchester United said: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” the club said in a statement.

“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 to achieve our ambitions.”

Carrick’s final match was Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Despite the disappointing result, he had indicated that he was not prepared to resign from his position.

Reports suggest that the decision to part ways with the former midfielder was reached on Wednesday at a meeting in Monaco attended by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick had initially earned praise for stabilising the team following the departure of Ruben Amorim, whose tenure ended with his dismissal in January.

However, United’s struggles this season have been compounded by what was described as an underwhelming transfer window and growing tensions within the squad.

The former manager also faced disciplinary and dressing-room challenges, including dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder reportedly criticised his tactical approach following a 4-1 defeat to Champions League newcomers Como.

Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s hierarchy over what he considered a lack of quality recruitment.

Meanwhile, Pochettino is increasingly being linked with the vacant managerial position at Old Trafford.

The Argentine has considerable experience in English football, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. He also had a spell in charge of French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Pochettino signed a contract extension with the United States national team just three months ago, committing his future to the country until the 2030 World Cup, reports indicate that negotiations with Manchester United have progressed.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United have “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with the Argentine to become the club’s next head coach.

Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United job on several occasions in the past, but his potential appointment would present a major challenge as the club seeks to restore its former status in English football.

United have struggled to replicate the success they enjoyed under legendary former manager Alex Ferguson, who retired 13 years ago. The club have yet to win another Premier League title since his departure.

Once the dominant force in English football, Manchester United have since been overtaken by rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The club’s next fixture is a high-profile encounter against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.