Carrick spent over a decade with United as a player, delivering a total of 18 trophies to the Old Trafford faithful, including one UCL and five EPL titles.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester United have sacked their manager, Michael Carrick, after less than 11 months in charge, following a severely disappointing start to the new English Premier League (EPL) campaign.
This was disclosed on Thursday, November 12, 2026, via an official club statement on the outfit’s website and social media channels (including X) following a face-to-face meeting at the Carrington training ground.
Carrick took over as interim head coach in January 2026, leading the team to a third-place finish and UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification, which earned him a permanent two-year contract in May 2026.
However, the Red Devils are currently sitting in 18th place (the relegation zone) in the league after collecting only eight points from 10 games, marking their worst league start in 40 years.
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Releasing the statement, the English club admitted that parting ways with their former player was an incredibly tough choice to make.
”Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” the statement read. “Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
”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.”
Although they have parted ways, the EPL giants maintain that Carrick remains a part of United’s history and a club 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,” the statement added.
Attention now turns entirely to the future of the managerial position at United. The club hierarchy must move swiftly to ensure the current season is not completely derailed.
Several names have been linked to the hot seat at Old Trafford, including Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe, and Antonio Conte. However, reports claim that USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is considered the favourite to fill the position left vacant by Carrick.
