Manchester United Sack Carrick After Worst Start
Manchester United sack Carrick after the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League season, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino widely tipped to replace him. Geo Super reported that the club confirmed on Thursday that the 45-year-old had departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
Carrick led United to an impressive third-place finish last season, but the team has taken just eight points from 10 games in the current campaign and sits in the relegation zone. Pochettino is the favourite to replace him, and the club said it would name a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Manchester United sack Carrick: the decision
United announced the decision in a short statement. It read: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach. 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.”
The statement added: “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.”
The decision was made on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Club leaders told Carrick at Carrington on Thursday morning that he was leaving.
Feature Pakistan reported earlier this week that Carrick was set to be sacked, with Pochettino talks already opened. That report said an announcement could come on Thursday, and it did.
From third place to the relegation zone
Carrick took over as interim boss in January after Ruben Amorim’s exit, and he guided United to Champions League qualification with a third-place finish. He won 12 of his remaining 17 games, the best points tally in the league over that period, and the club gave him a two-year permanent deal in May.
This season has been a steep decline. United have won only three of 15 games in all competitions. The team has struggled to maintain discipline, and Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder criticised his manager’s tactics following a 4-1 thrashing at Champions League debutants Como.
Carrick and Fernandes held talks at Carrington after that defeat, but the tension did not go away.
Carrick’s final game in charge was a chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, after which he stressed he would not walk away.
Chelsea beat United 2-0 in October, and Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford the same month.
Pochettino the favourite to take over
Pochettino has now emerged as the clear favourite, ahead of names such as Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.
The Argentine has managed Southampton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. He signed a USA extension through the 2030 World Cup three months ago, but Sky Sports reported that United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with him.
The Times reported that a full agreement has been struck, including compensation of £7.5 million to US Soccer. Pochettino will manage two final USA games, against Haiti, before moving to Manchester. All of Carrick’s coaching staff have also left, including assistant Steve Holland and first-team coaches Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion.
Reaction from players and fans
United defender Harry Maguire paid tribute to Carrick in an Instagram post which read: “Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you.”
Former United captain Gary Neville, who played alongside Carrick, said his old team-mate had been subjected to disgusting treatment, and criticised the club’s executives for meeting in Monaco and approaching US Soccer about Pochettino while Carrick was still taking training.
Carrick is the seventh permanent manager dismissed by the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. United’s next game is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Manchester United sack Carrick?
United sacked Carrick after their worst ever Premier League start: eight points from 10 games, with the team in the relegation zone.
Who will replace Carrick at Manchester United?
Mauricio Pochettino is the overwhelming favourite. He has reportedly agreed terms, with £7.5 million due to US Soccer, and will manage two final USA games first.
What did Carrick achieve at Manchester United?
He took over as interim boss in January, led United to third place and Champions League qualification, and earned a two-year permanent deal in May.
What was Carrick’s last game as Manchester United manager?
A chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 8.
When is Manchester United’s next game?
United play fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
