Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick has left his role as men’s first-team head coach, after the worst start to a Premier League season in the club’s history.
United have taken just eight points from 10 games and sit in the relegation zone, with only three wins in all competitions.
In a statement, the club said the “extremely difficult conclusion” had been reached that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions, adding that Carrick “is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.”
The decision ends a 174-day spell as permanent boss, most of it over the summer break. Carrick signed a new contract on May 22 that was meant to run to 2028, after leading United to third place last season.
His final match was a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, after which he said he would not walk away. Reports point to a lack of summer defensive signings, public criticism of the club’s hierarchy by key players, and poor results as the causes of his exit.
United say they intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly lined up to take over.
The sacking is another managerial exit within 18 months of an appointment, and many fans have directed their anger at the club’s ownership, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada instead of at Carrick.
Whoever takes charge faces a trip to Liverpool and a battle to drag United out of the bottom three.
