Manchester United sack head coach Michael Carrick

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has been sacked.

Carrick was appointed head coach on an interim basis in January 2026 and signed a permanent contract after the club secured a third-place finish in the Premier League last year.

But United have struggled to find form this season, with the team winning just three of their first 15 games across all competitions.

The club confirmed in a statement: "Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

"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.

"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."

The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

Carrick's sacking follows Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford - a result that leaves them 18th in the league table, with eight points from 10 league matches, their worst return at this stage of a season since the 1972-73 campaign.

United reportedly reached an agreement in principle on Wednesday for Mauricio Pochettino to be their next head coach once Michael Carrick is sacked.

Pochettino, who recently signed a contract extension to remain the USA's head coach until the 2030 World Cup, is understood to be interested in the Old Trafford position.

Sky Sports News understands that the 54-year-old Argentine has reached a verbal agreement in principle with the club, with United expected to pay around £7m to buy him out of his newly-signed contract.

Old Trafford chiefs were already considering alternatives to Carrick before United's game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford last month, Sky Sports News said.

Carrick played 464 games for United, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League, along with a host of other honours.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Manchester United sack head coach Michael Carrick