Manchester United sacked Michael Carrick as manager on Thursday after a record-worst start to a Premier League season left the club languishing in the relegation zone.
The decision arrived on Thursday morning at Carrington, where chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox informed Carrick of his dismissal, as reported by ESPN. United sit 18th in the Premier League table with only one league win from their opening 10 matches, marking the club’s worst start in 40 years. That tally of eight points after 10 games leaves the club rooted in the relegation zone, representing one of the worst starts in the history of the 13-time Premier League champions.
Michael Carrick has departed his role as @ManUtd's first-team head coach, the club has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/yWnw8AjmsQ
Prior to his dismissal, Carrick’s final game ended in a dramatic late draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, where supporters voiced anger toward the club’s ownership after needing a stoppage-time equalizer to secure a point. In an official statement, the club praised the 45-year-old as a club legend, noting that his leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
Targeting Mauricio Pochettino
United are hoping to finalize an agreement with United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday, according to ESPN. The club intends to trigger a $10 million release clause in Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer once personal terms are agreed with the Argentine.
🚨 Manchester United are now set to seal the agreement for Mauricio Pochettino to become the new head coach. Talks underway with US Federation after the verbal agreement reached with Pochettino and his camp. Matter of (short) time. 🔴🇦🇷 #mufc pic.twitter.com/vGkjOQ7cjH
United’s leadership held positive talks with U.S. Soccer, and the former Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea boss is expected to become the eighth permanent man in charge at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in May 2013. Bringing in Pochettino’s assistant coaches, who have followed him for over a decade, would require the club to pay millions more in additional buyout costs.
“Every time we sign a contract, it’s to go to the last day of the contract,” Pochettino said after returning to his role in August, as reported by The New York Times.
We can confirm Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
United expect Pochettino to arrive at Carrington by Nov. 18 or Nov. 19. His first match in charge is scheduled against longtime rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22, according to ESPN.
Reactions to Carrick Dismissal
The manner of Carrick’s departure drew sharp criticism from former players, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville describing the club’s treatment of the former midfielder as disgusting. Neville highlighted the discomfort of Carrick taking training in Manchester while club executives met in Monaco on Wednesday. Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel similarly criticized the handling of the situation on The Overlap Daily, calling the treatment very disrespectful to a club legend.
“I’m sad that it’s come to this. I think I’ve said this quite a lot in the last 10 years when Manchester United managers have been moved on because it means, obviously, that the club are not being successful on the pitch,” Neville said, according to Sky Sports.
Neville added that any incoming manager must secure total control over recruitment to address structural flaws in the squad, noting that despite substantial financial spending on players in recent years, the team’s defensive backline remains a persistent issue.
🚨🔴 OFFICIAL: Michael Carrick has been sacked, Manchester United confirm. pic.twitter.com/UYsFpAmUi3
“I think he needs two defenders straight away, to get Manchester United anywhere near where they want to be this season. And the other thing is, he has to make sure he takes charge of recruitment,” Neville told Sky Sports.
United Officials Feel Relaxed About Interim Arrangement Before Pochettino Arrives
United officials are relaxed about the interim arrangement before Pochettino assumes his duties at Old Trafford ahead of the Liverpool fixture. The bulk of United’s international players are scheduled to return to Carrington by Nov. 18.
Earlier coverage: Manchester United Advancing in Talks to Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager
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