Manchester United has officially dismissed head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following the club’s worst start to a top-flight campaign in 40 years.
Carrick was awarded a two-year permanent contract in May after guiding the team to a third-place finish and UEFA Champions League qualification during a successful interim spell.
However, the 2026–27 season proved disastrous, with the Red Devils winning only one of their opening ten Premier League fixtures to sit 18th in the relegation zone on eight points.
A defensive collapse in a 4–4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford—in which United twice fought back from two-goal deficits to salvage a point—ultimately sealed his fate ahead of the international break.
Ahead of the formal announcement, football journalist Fabrizio Romano provided regular updates on Carrick’s precarious position, posting on X on November 11, 2026: “Michael Carrick, at Carrington today to lead Manchester United training again — same as yesterday.”
Manchester United’s senior leadership—including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and Director of Football Jason Wilcox—reportedly convened in Monaco on Wednesday, where they reached the decision to dismiss Carrick.
Following the confirmation of Carrick’s departure, attention has shifted to his successor, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the frontrunner for the Manchester United job.
Backstory…
Michael Carrick’s dismissal comes after a disastrous start to the 2026/27 season, which saw Manchester United slip into the Premier League relegation zone despite the expectations that followed his appointment as permanent manager in May.
The former United midfielder initially took charge as interim manager in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim. His impressive run helped the club secure Champions League qualification, earning him a permanent contract ahead of the new campaign. However, he struggled to replicate that form, with United recording just one league victory in their opening 10 matches. Reuters+1
Pressure intensified following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth and an 8th consecutive Premier League match without a win. Their latest 4-4 draw against Aston Villa further raised concerns about the team’s performances, prompting senior club officials, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to review Carrick’s future at a meeting in Monaco.
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