Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick less than six months after appointing him on a two-year contract, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expected to take over.
Carrick's departure follows a disappointing start to the Premier League season, with United recording just three wins in 15 matches and slipping into the relegation zone after managing only one victory in their opening 10 games.
The club have reached an agreement with Pochettino to become their next manager, although he is expected to remain in charge of the United States national team for their Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday before taking up the role.
Pochettino's newly signed contract with the USA reportedly includes a £7 million release clause, with negotiations between Manchester United and the United States Soccer Federation expected to intensify in the coming days.
Carrick oversaw training in Manchester on Wednesday as discussions over Pochettino's appointment progressed.
Meanwhile, United's senior executives met in Monaco with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, where the decision to dismiss Carrick was approved. The move followed recommendations from chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick's dismissal comes after United's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. The team twice fought back after falling 2-0 behind within four minutes and later trailing 4-2 early in the second half.
The comeback followed another impressive recovery against Roma in the Champions League the previous Tuesday. However, the results were not enough to convince the club's hierarchy to retain the former midfielder.
Carrick was initially appointed in January 2026 following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. He enjoyed an impressive spell, winning 12 of his 17 matches and guiding United to third place in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League.
His performances earned him a nomination for Premier League Manager of the Season, and on May 22, he signed a new contract that was expected to keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.
However, a poor run of results this season has brought his second spell in charge to an abrupt end.
Pochettino, who has previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, has been considered for the Manchester United job on three previous occasions.
He now appears set to become the club's eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
