Manchester United fire coach Michael Carrick after a poor start

Manchester United have dismissed coach Michael Carrick after the Red Devils find themselves on a relegation spot following a season start with only one win from ten league games; the announcement was made on Thursday. The troubled English top club therefore took action after the worst start to a season in forty years.

Last year Carrick led the Red Devils to a third‑place finish, but now they are in a relegation battle. Manchester United have recorded only one win from ten games in the Premier League and occupy a relegation spot.

Pochettino as a possible successor

The club wants to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible. According to media reports, there is already a basic verbal agreement with the Argentine Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino's contract as US national team coach was extended in August until the 2030 World Cup. An early termination would trigger a release fee of around €8.6 million. United have so far not made any contact with the US federation.

Manchester United must pay $10m to lure US boss Pochettino

Despite the dismissal, Carrick remains a club legend because of his services. He took over the team manager position in January and led United back into the Champions League with a strong second half of the season.

In recent weeks he came under increasing criticism for eight league games without a win, which ultimately led to the end of his tenure. Other candidates for the job include Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte.

Manchester United in talks with US Soccer over Pochettino

Pochettino, who has previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea, took over the US team in September 2024. Under his guidance the US side reached the round of 16 of the home World Cup 2026, where they were eliminated 1‑4 by Belgium.