Patience ran out at Old Trafford. After several weeks of uncertainty, poor results, and internal questioning, Manchester United confirmed the departure of Michael Carrick as head coach of the first team. The coach was unable to maintain the performance he had achieved during the previous season and ultimately paid the price for a start to the season that raised all alarms in the historic English club.
The decision was finalized during a meeting in Monaco attended by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and Wilcox. Finally, the institution officially announced Carrick's departure, who had signed a two-season contract.
In its statement, Manchester United highlighted the coach's work during his previous stint in charge of the team, when he returned in January and achieved 12 victories in 17 matches to finish third in the Premier League 2025/26.
However, the poor start to the new campaign changed the management's plans. "After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the difficult conclusion that a change is necessary to achieve our goals", it explained.
Despite the departure, Manchester United also had words of recognition for the former midfielder, who was one of the team's stars during his playing career. "Michael is, and always will be, a legend of Manchester United. Just as when he played, he has behaved with the utmost dedication and professionalism during his return to the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered", the statement added.
The numbers reflect the depth of the crisis. After the first ten rounds of the Premier League, the Red Devils managed only one victory, accumulated five draws, and suffered four defeats. With eight points out of 30 possible, they find themselves in 18th place, within the relegation zone. This is the worst start for the club since the creation of the Premier League and its lowest position in the First Division at this stage of a season since 1986-87.
The relationship between Carrick and the squad was also not at its best. A 4-1 thrashing against Como in the Champions League deepened doubts about the collective performance and provoked public questioning from captain Bruno Fernandes towards the coaching staff. Shortly after, the Portuguese midfielder lost his starting spot in the 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.
In addition to the poor results, Carrick's relationship with the team was not the best
This situation was compounded by differences with Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine defender had expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of investment during the transfer market and pointed directly at Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football. Ultimately, the sporting context and internal tensions further weakened the coach's position.
His contract includes a 10 million dollar buyout clause and negotiations will also need to consider the separation from his coaching staff. Meanwhile, Manchester United aims to expedite the selection of a new manager to try to steer a season that started far from expectations. The main target is Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the United States national team and is said to have reached a verbal agreement with the English, although he still needs to resolve his departure from the North American federation.
Pochettino is the leading candidate to replace Carrick
The Red Devils' next commitment will be none other than against Liverpool, on Sunday, November 22, at Anfield. A classic that will find the team in full transition and could mark the beginning of a new era following Carrick's departure.
The numbers of Carrick as Manchester United's coach
In his 11 months as coach of the Red Devils, the Wallsend native managed 32 matches, with a record of 15 victories, 8 draws, and 9 defeats, and a tally of 57 goals for and 48 against. It is worth mentioning that this was not his first experience in charge of the first team: in 2021 he had an interim role for 3 matches, of which he won 2 and drew 1, with 6 goals for and 3 against.
