Manchester United have dismissed Michael Carrick after a disappointing start to the season, with former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the club’s preferred successor.
The decision was approved during a board meeting in Monaco on Wednesday, just 173 days after Carrick signed a two-year contract following his successful interim spell, which saw United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League.
Carrick arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground at 7.50am on Thursday but was dismissed before 10.18am, when he left the facility.
The decision had been reached the previous day by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, members of the Glazer family, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The Glazers participated virtually from the United States while the other senior figures were in Monaco.
Pochettino Reaches Verbal Agreement to Become United Manager
United have moved quickly to identify Carrick’s replacement, with current United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino agreeing verbally to take charge of the Premier League club.
The 54-year-old Argentine reached an agreement with United on Wednesday. The club subsequently contacted US Soccer formally to begin arrangements for his departure.
United will need to activate Pochettino’s £7 million release clause to secure his services before the end of his current contract.
Carrick continued overseeing training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday despite reports that Berrada and Wilcox had travelled to Monaco to recommend his dismissal.
Aston Villa Draw Seals Carrick’s Fate
Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa proved decisive in the board’s decision to remove Carrick.
The result left United in 18th place in the Premier League standings, with the club struggling near the relegation zone after a poor opening to the campaign.
Other results had also failed to convince the hierarchy to retain the manager. A defeat against Chelsea, a victory over Roma and the draw with Villa came after United had suffered a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Carrick had continued in his position following an emergency board meeting after the Bournemouth defeat, but he received no public show of support from the club’s leadership.
The dismissal also followed criticism of the team’s performances, including a campaign in which United had won only three matches. One of those victories came against Azerbaijani side FK Sabah.
United have also failed to record a Premier League clean sheet this season.
Players and Club Leadership Face Further Questions
Carrick’s departure comes amid growing scrutiny of the club’s leadership and the performances of several senior players.
Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the manager’s tactics and was dropped for the first time in five years during the heavy defeat against Bournemouth.
Defender Lisandro Martinez also criticised the club hierarchy over its handling of Carrick and the players. His dismissal against Chelsea further complicated the manager’s position.
Carrick had previously enjoyed a strong period between January and May, when United’s performances were among the best in the Premier League. That form had raised expectations ahead of the current campaign, but the team failed to maintain the same level after the start of the new season.
Despite the poor results, supporters had continued to show their backing for Carrick at recent matches, applauding him at the end of games while directing much of their frustration towards the players and club executives.
Manchester United’s Managerial Changes Raise Questions About INEOS
The dismissal adds to the cost of managerial and executive changes since Ratcliffe and INEOS became involved in the club’s football operations.
Compensation payments to coaches and executives over the past three years are now approaching £30 million. Bringing Pochettino from the United States national team is expected to cost another £7 million, with additional expenses anticipated for his coaching staff.
Berrada and Wilcox are also facing renewed scrutiny over their management of the football department. Since taking control of football operations in February 2024, the club has moved through Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and Carrick.
Carrick’s departure means the senior football leadership is preparing for another permanent managerial appointment.
Carrick Leaves With 14 Wins From His Time in Charge
Carrick departs with a record of 14 victories, six draws and eight defeats.
Twelve of his wins came during the previous season, before the club appointed him permanent manager. His final campaign also included an early exit from the Carabao Cup after Brighton defeated United at Old Trafford.
Following the draw against Aston Villa, Carrick had indicated that he would not walk away from the job. He also responded firmly when questioned by reporters about his future.
However, the club ultimately decided to end his tenure less than six months after handing him a new contract.
Gary Neville Questions Manchester United Players’ Professionalism
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised the attitude and professionalism of some players following the team’s performances under Carrick.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said he believed Carrick would be deeply disappointed with members of the squad.
He suggested that some players had not maintained the standards expected at Manchester United, including their preparation, lifestyle choices and commitment to the club.
Neville also questioned the relationship between Carrick and the dressing room, pointing to Fernandes’ public comments about the manager.
He said the captain’s remarks raised concerns about what might have been said privately by other players.
Pochettino is now expected to take charge of a squad that has struggled to reproduce its previous form, with the new manager facing the task of improving performances and results.
