Carrick sacked as Manchester United turn to Pochettino

Manchester United have reportedly sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, with former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as his likely replacement.

Carrick’s departure comes less than six months after signing a two-year contract extension until 2028, having initially impressed during his interim spell by guiding United to a third-place finish last season and securing Champions League qualification.

However, the former England midfielder struggled to maintain that momentum, overseeing United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

The Red Devils have collected just one victory from their opening 10 league matches, leaving them 18th in the standings and inside the relegation zone.

The decision follows Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, where United recovered from two separate two-goal deficits to rescue a point.

Despite the late comeback, the result failed to ease concerns among the club’s hierarchy over the team’s overall performances.

According to reports from Sky Sports and The Guardian, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox recommended a managerial change following discussions with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.

Pochettino, currently managing the United States national team, has reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle with United.

The 54-year-old Argentine is expected to complete his international commitments against Haiti before potentially taking charge at Old Trafford.

United could pay approximately £7 million to activate his release clause.

The managerial uncertainty represents another chapter in Manchester United’s prolonged search for stability since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Before Ferguson’s appointment in November 1986, United had experienced several managerial changes.

Matt Busby established the club as a European powerhouse, winning five league titles and the 1968 European Cup.

His successors, including Wilf McGuinness, Frank O’Farrell, Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton and Ron Atkinson, experienced varying fortunes.

Docherty and Sexton were among those dismissed before Ferguson arrived.

Ferguson subsequently transformed United’s fortunes, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during his 26-year reign before retiring in May 2013.

His departure, however, marked the beginning of a difficult managerial era.

David Moyes was dismissed in April 2014 after just 10 months, despite signing a six-year contract.

Louis van Gaal followed, winning the FA Cup before leaving in 2016.

Jose Mourinho, who delivered the Europa League and League Cup, departed in December 2018, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed in November 2021.

Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim also failed to establish lasting stability, with both leaving before completing their respective projects.