Michael Carrick Sacked: Manchester United Confirm Exit as Mauricio Pochettino Lined Up

12th November 2026

Updated 12 Nov 2026, 11:24 · First published 12 Nov 2026

Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick has left his role as head coach, with the club 18th in the Premier League after their worst start to a top-flight season in four decades. Mauricio Pochettino is lined up to replace him, and United say they intend to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”.

Michael Carrick at Man Utd

ReportedLeft the club, confirmed Thursday 12 November

Games in charge32 – won 15, drew 8, lost 9

League this season1 win, 5 draws, 4 defeats – 8 points

Position18th, in the relegation zone

Last game4-4 draw with Aston Villa

Expected successorMauricio Pochettino

What did Manchester United say?

Manchester United statement

“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.”

Manchester United

“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.”

Manchester United

“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”

Manchester United

Why was Carrick sacked?

Carrick, 45, took over on an interim basis last season, led United to third in the Premier League and back into the Champions League, and was then handed the job permanently. But this season has gone badly wrong: United’s only league win came against Ipswich Town in August, and Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left them 18th, in the relegation zone, going into the international break.

The club said that after a disappointing start to the season it had come to the “extremely difficult conclusion” that a change was necessary.

Who will replace Michael Carrick?

Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, is expected to take over. United are reported to have reached an agreement in principle with him and have formally contacted US Soccer, where his contract runs until 2030. A release fee of around $10m (£7.4m) is reported to be needed.

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Pochettino is still expected to take charge of the USA for two CONCACAF Nations League games against Haiti during the international break. His first game in charge of United could be away at Liverpool on 22 November.

How the Pochettino deal came together →

Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE. Sources: Manchester United, The Athletic, Sky Sports.