Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick as Head Coach
Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick after a poor start to the Premier League season, the club confirmed on Thursday, November 12, 2026. United are 18th in the table with one league win in 10 games, according to ESPN. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/club-statement-on-michael-carrick-departure
What the Club Said
In its statement, United said Carrick had left his role as men’s first-team head coach after a disappointing start to the season, and that the club had reached the extremely difficult conclusion that a change was needed to achieve its ambitions, according to The Tribune and Yahoo Sports.
The statement added, “Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” and said his leadership and achievements last season would be fondly remembered. It said the club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Carrick’s Time in Charge
Carrick returned to United in January after Ruben Amorim left, according to AOL. He guided the team to third place in 2025/26 by winning 12 of the last 17 league games, the club said, a run that produced the league’s highest points tally over that period.
He signed a permanent contract until 2028 on May 22, according to The Tribune. Daily Sports said the club parted ways with the 45-year-old less than six months later.
Al Jazeera reported that Carrick’s first match back was the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford, and that Darren Fletcher had been in temporary charge before him. Carrick also took charge for three games in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, according to Fox News.
Why United Acted
ESPN reported that United sources said being 18th after 10 games was “not acceptable” and that the squad is far better than its results and performances have shown.
ESPN also noted criticism of the lack of clarity over Carrick’s position, including the optics of him leading training on Tuesday and Wednesday amid talk that he was about to be sacked.
The Tribune described it as one of the worst starts to a league campaign in the club’s history, while Yahoo Sports’ headline called it the worst-ever Premier League start. BeIN Sports said rumours had been rife that Carrick could be replaced during the international break.
Who Replaces Him
ESPN reported United are close to an agreement with US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino. AOL said United have officially approached US Soccer to trigger a $10 million (£7.5m) release clause in his contract. ESPN described Pochettino as a former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager.
AOL said Pochettino’s first game could be at Liverpool on Sunday, November 22, and that the statement suggests United will not use another interim or caretaker coach.
BeIN Sports said Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe had also been touted, and that United are seeking their third permanent head coach since INEOS took control of football operations in February 2024.
No new coach had been officially announced in the reports reviewed. Joydey9ja.com will update this report when United confirm an appointment.
About the Author
