Carrick sacked by Manchester United

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Rumours had been rife that Carrick may be replaced during the international break, after a dreadful start to the season left United 18th in the Premier League table. 

Despite fighting back from 2-0 and 4-2 down to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa on Monday – the first time any team had recovered from two goals behind to equalise on two occasions in a single Premier League match – United is guaranteed to spend at least 15 days in the relegation zone.

It will be its longest run of successive days inside the drop zone since September and October 1986, when it endured a spell of 26 days in the First Division's danger zone.

That was also the last time United was in a worse position in the table at least 10 games into a season, having sat 20th on that occasion. 

Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe had all been touted as possible replacements this time around, with the Red Devils seeking their third permanent boss since Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS took control of the club's football operations in February 2024. 

However, United States boss Pochettino is widely expected to be announced as Carrick's successor.

"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," a club statement read. 

"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. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.

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

Carrick initially had a hugely positive impact upon replacing Ruben Amorim on an interim basis in January. 

He led United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, winning 12 of his 17 games at the helm in 2025-26. 

Having made Carrick its permanent boss on a two-year contract this summer, United won three of 15 games in all competitions in 2026-27.

Its 30 goals conceded across all competitions are the joint-second most among all teams in Europe's top five leagues.

Old Trafford was the scene of protests against the way INEOS and the Glazer family have run the club on Monday, with United's players also attracting fierce criticism from their own supporters throughout the campaign. 

After a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last month, large sections of the Red Devils' fanbase applauded Carrick down the tunnel, before booing his players off. 

United travels to Anfield to face old rival Liverpool on 22 November. A trip to Sporting CP in the Champions League follows three days later, with the Red Devils having six points on the board in that competition, after four matches.