Manchester United have sacked manager Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the Premier League season, marking the worst league performance in the club's history. The decision came on Thursday as the club announced the departure of Carrick, who led the team to just eight points from 10 games. Carrick, a former United midfielder, guided the team to a third-place finish last season but struggled this campaign.
The club stated that the change of manager was necessary to achieve their ambitions. Carrick's tenure ended with United sitting 18th in the league table. The club has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to take over at Old Trafford. Pochettino, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid manager, is expected to be confirmed as the new manager soon.
Carrick, 39, joined United in 2018 as assistant manager before being promoted to head coach in 2021. His time in charge saw the team finish third in the 2022-23 season but have since struggled. The club's board cited the need for a new direction as the primary reason for the sacking.
This marks the second managerial change at United this season, following the departure of Erik ten Hag in December. Carrick's exit follows a series of poor results and a lack of consistency in performances. The club will now look to Pochettino to stabilize the team and improve their position in the league.
