OFFICIAL: Michael Carrick sacked by Man Utd

Manchester United have officially sacked Michael Carrick with immediate effect.

The Red Devils boss has been under immense pressure for several weeks and the club have now decided to pull the trigger following a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in their final fixture before the November international break.

Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis in May, after a successful interim spell last season, but he has left his role in the Old Trafford dugout with the club languishing down in 18th place in the Premier League table, having picked up just eight points from their opening 10 fixtures in 2026-27.

It's understood that Carrick was given three games to save his job following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in late October, and despite a comeback win against AS Roma in the Champions League and a last-gasp draw versus Villa on Sunday, the Man Utd board have still decided to part ways with the Englishman.

The Red Devils have only won three of their 15 games across all competitions so far this season, drawing five and losing seven, and they have now formally announced the departure of Carrick.

"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," the club wrote in an official statement.

"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."

United States of America boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be named as Carrick’s replacement ahead of their next fixture against Liverpool on 22 November, with a verbal agreement in place with the 54-year-old.

The likes of Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Julian Nagelsmann were all heavily linked with the Man Utd job amid rumours that Carrick would be sacked, but Pochettino soon emerged as the clear frontrunner and a deal is set to be announced shortly.

Man Utd have been locked in talks with the USMNT for several days and it's understood they will be required to trigger the €9 million release clause included in Pochettino's current contract in order to finalise his arrival.

The Argentine has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd in the past, and the Red Devils will soon become the fourth Premier League club that he has managed, after spells at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.