Manchester United dismissed their head coach after the worst start to a Premier League season, and Mauricio Pochettino is reported to be the leading candidate to take over.
Tamrah News Desk | November 12, 2026
Michael Carrick sacked as Manchester United head coach on Thursday, less than six months after he signed a two year contract, Sky Sports reported. United sit in the Premier League relegation zone with one win in 10 matches. The Associated Press reported that the club now seeks its eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
What Manchester United Said
United said it reached an
“extremely difficult conclusion”
that a change was necessary, according to Sky Sports. The club added that it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, the Associated Press reported. Sky Sports reported that minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ratified the decision at a meeting in Monaco, after chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox recommended it. Sky Sports also reported that coaching staff Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate are expected to leave.
Why Was Michael Carrick Sacked?
Sky Sports reported that United have won three of 15 matches this season and only once in 10 Premier League games. Sofascore described it as the club’s worst start to a top flight season since 1986/87.
His last match was a 4 to 4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. Sky Sports reported that United trailed 2 to 0 inside four minutes and 4 to 2 early in the second half before recovering. The Press Association, via Yahoo Sports, reported that United lost 2 to 0 at Chelsea and then beat Roma 3 to 2 in the Champions League before the Villa game.
Sky Sports added that Carrick won 12 of 17 matches last season, finished third and signed a new contract to 2028 on May 22.
Will Mauricio Pochettino Take Over at Manchester United?
Sky Sports reported a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino. He is expected to stay with the United States for two Nations League games against Haiti before starting work next Thursday. Sky Sports News understands he has a £7m release clause.
The Associated Press reported that the 54 year old Argentine is contracted to the US through the 2030 World Cup and led the team to the round of 16 at this year’s tournament. AP’s source on Wednesday described the deal as potential, and United have not announced an appointment. AOL UK reported that Pochettino saw off competition from Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann for the next Manchester United manager role.
Third Manager Sacked in Just Over Two Years
Sky Sports’ timeline shows Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 and Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2026. That makes Carrick the third Manchester United manager dismissed in that period. Sky Sports calculated that Carrick leaves with 15 wins in 32 matches as permanent manager, a 46.9 per cent rate that is ahead only of Amorim since Ferguson left.
Sky Sports counts Carrick as the seventh permanent manager since 2013. Sofascore said the figure becomes eight if Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell is included. Gary Neville told NBC that changing managers has not worked over 12 years and that weak recruitment and leadership are the deeper problem, according to Sky Sports.
Next Fixtures for Manchester United
According to Sky Sports, United visit Liverpool in the Premier League on November 22, play Sporting in the Champions League on November 25 and host Brentford on November 28.
Conclusion
The Michael Carrick sacked story leaves Man Utd in the relegation zone after the Premier League worst start in 40 years, according to Sky Sports. Pochettino Manchester United talks are the next development. Readers searching for the Manchester United new manager, the Man Utd head coach appointment or Ratcliffe’s role can expect updates as the club names its eighth permanent boss.
