‘Legend’: Manchester United pay Michael Carrick tribute as ‘difficult’ sack decision explained

Detailed summary

Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over at Old Trafford

Manchester United have said the decision to sack head coach Michael Carrick was “extremely difficult” and praised the 45-year-old for conducting himself with the “highest standards of dedication and professionalism.”

Carrick was relieved of his duties on Thursday morning, just 16 games into the season, with United in the relegation zone and without a Premier League win since August.

The Red Devils are now set to push ahead with negotiations for Mauricio Pochettino as they search for their fourth permanent head coach since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of the day-to-day running of the club in February 2024.

Carrick becomes the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season, with United finally pulling the trigger after weeks of speculation surrounding his future.

The former midfielder first came under serious pressure after United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como last month, but he remained in charge for a further four games despite failing to inspire an upturn in results.

Supporters were sympathetic to Carrick’s situation, applauding him after every game, but it always felt like a case of when, not if, the ex-England international would be sacked.

United have praised Carrick for his professionalism during an uncertain period, as it emerged that the Red Devils were actively pursuing Pochettino while their current head coach continued to attend to his duties.

“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” a statement on the club’s website 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.

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