Manchester United fired manager Michael Carrick on Thursday after the 20-time English champion endured its worst start to a Premier League season, with U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino emerging as a potential successor.
Carrick's exit comes less than six months after he was handed a two-year contract to try to revive United's fortunes. The club has not won the league since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
A 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left United 18th in the 20-team table and in the relegation zone, having won just one league game all season. With eight points from 10 matches, it is the club's worst start in 40 years, predating the Premier League era.
In a statement, United said: "After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions." The club added that it "intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."
According to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, United has been working on a potential deal to bring in Pochettino, noting that no final decision had been made on Carrick's future at that point. The 54-year-old Argentine is under contract with the U.S. national team through the 2030 World Cup. He previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, took charge of the United States in October 2024, and led the team to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup. He was also a leading candidate for the United job in 2022, when Erik ten Hag was ultimately appointed.
Asked whether Pochettino was in line to join United, U.S. striker Folarin Balogun said he was not aware of any development. "If it's something that becomes official, then he will let us know," Balogun said on a video call from the U.S. camp ahead of the team's upcoming matches against Haiti. "If I had a vote," he added, referring to Pochettino's future, "I would like to keep things the way they are."
Eighth manager since Ferguson
Carrick had insisted he would not walk away from the job following the chaotic draw with Villa that exposed United's defensive problems. His sacking means United is searching for an eighth permanent manager since Ferguson left 13 years ago, a period in which the club has been overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Carrick, a former United midfielder during the Ferguson era, was appointed on a short-term deal midway through last season and guided the team to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification, which earned him a long-term contract. This season has unraveled quickly, with just three wins in all competitions, an eight-game winless run in the league, and elimination from the English League Cup. Captain Bruno Fernandes has criticized the team's tactics, while defender Lisandro Martinez has criticized the club's leadership.
United's statement praised Carrick despite the decision: "Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered." Carrick took training on Wednesday and was seen arriving at United's training ground on Thursday before leaving soon after.
Pressure on United's ownership
The firing is likely to increase scrutiny on United's ownership, the Glazer family in the United States and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe through his INEOS petrochemicals group. Fans staged fresh protests against the owners during the Villa game, calling on them to sell the club. "It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability," the Manchester United Supporters' Trust said in a statement.
There is also growing pressure on chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox following another failed coaching appointment. Since Ferguson's retirement, Champions League-winning coaches Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho won cups at United but were dismissed after failing to mount serious Premier League title challenges, while Ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carrick have also fallen short.
"The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United's problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager. They lie with the ownership," the Supporters' Trust said. "The Glazers' debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When INEOS came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but."
