Man Utd sack Michael Carrick and provide update on Mauricio Pochettino arrival

Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick with Mauricio Pochettino set to be appointed their new head coach.

Carrick led training at Carrington this week despite it becoming clear a change was imminent as early as Monday evening.

He arrived at United’s training base at Carrington just before 8am on Thursday morning, leaving less than two-and-a-half hours later having been relieved of his duties.

Behind the scenes, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have sought approval from minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to part ways with Carrick, with a deal for Pochettino, currently serving as the USA men’s head coach, in place.

Carrick has been on the brink at various stages this season with United sat in the relegation zone in 18th place after 10 games, winning just once against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

United opted against making a change during the international break in September and October when Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe were the leading contenders for the job.

Carrick gave himself a lifeline as United came from behind to beat Roma in the Champions League at the start of the month. United also fought back twice from 2-1 down in the same game against Aston Villa on Sunday to rescue a 4-4 draw but the decision was made the following day to part ways with the former midfielder.

His staff are also expected to leave, including former defender Jonny Evans who was pictured leaving Carrington with his belongings on Wednesday.

Pochettino will take over at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Carrick’s departure marks the third season in a row United have sacked a manager midway through the campaign.

Pochettino’s first game in charge is expected to be the visit to Liverpool on Sunday 22 November.

Carrick, who had a brief spell as interim boss in 2021, took the reins again in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, securing hugely impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in his opening two games.

They won 12 of their 17 games during the second-half of the 2025-26 season, securing third place and Champions League qualification with a game to spare. United picked up more points than champions Arsenal managed in the period from Carrick’s game in charge until the end of the campaign.

United clearly benefited from the lighter schedule in that run with just the Premier League to focus on. With European football back on the menu this season, reinforcements were needed.