Manchester United have reportedly sacked head coach Michael Carrick with immediate effect, bringing his spell in charge at Old Trafford to an end following a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.
The reported decision comes amid growing pressure on the club's leadership to change direction after United slipped into the Premier League relegation zone. The club had been assessing Carrick's position following a disappointing run of results that left the team struggling to find consistency.
The development also comes as United move closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men's national team. Reports indicate that the club has reached an agreement in principle with the Argentine over taking charge at Old Trafford.
United had already opened discussions with Pochettino's representatives before making formal contact with the United States Soccer Federation. The approach is part of efforts to secure his release from his current contract, which runs until the 2030 World Cup.
According to reports, United would need to activate a release clause worth approximately $10 million, equivalent to about £7.5 million, to secure Pochettino's services. The financial arrangements could also involve additional compensation if he brings members of his coaching staff to Manchester.
Pochettino is understood to be interested in the position, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League. His experience in English football is among the factors behind his emergence as the leading candidate to replace Carrick.
The potential appointment follows a difficult period for United, who had managed just one victory in their opening ten Premier League matches. Their position in the relegation zone marked the club's worst start to a league campaign in decades and intensified scrutiny of the team's performances.
United's recent results included a 4-1 Champions League defeat away to Como, a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea. They subsequently responded with a 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma before drawing 4-4 against Aston Villa.
The draw against Villa extended United's winless run in the Premier League to eight matches, leaving the club with significant ground to recover as the season progressed.
Carrick initially took charge in January before being appointed permanent head coach during the summer. He had guided United to a third-place finish in the previous campaign, securing Champions League qualification, but struggled to maintain that momentum in the new season.
Pochettino's possible arrival would mark another managerial change as United attempt to revive their campaign. The club's next Premier League fixture is an away meeting with Liverpool on November 22, following the international break.
