Manchester United Part Ways With Carrick After Disappointing Run
Manchester United have parted ways with Michael Carrick after a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, ending his tenure as head coach less than six months after signing a two-year contract.
The 45-year-old was appointed on May 22 following an impressive spell in which he recorded 12 victories in 17 matches, guided United back into the UEFA Champions League and raised expectations ahead of the new season.
However, the positive momentum quickly faded as United struggled for consistency, with poor results, defensive vulnerabilities and growing internal tensions undermining Carrick’s position.
The club’s decision followed a turbulent sequence of fixtures that produced a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea, a 3-2 Champions League comeback victory over Roma and a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.
Although United showed fighting spirit to recover from two two-goal deficits against Villa, the performance failed to change the hierarchy’s assessment of Carrick’s suitability for the job.
Pressure had intensified following a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, while concerns over the team’s tactical organisation, fitness levels and summer recruitment continued to dominate discussions around the club.
Defender Lisandro Martinez openly questioned United’s recruitment strategy, directing criticism towards director of football Jason Wilcox. Captain Bruno Fernandes also raised concerns about Carrick’s tactical approach after the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Injuries to key players, including striker Benjamin Sesko and left-back Luke Shaw, further disrupted the team’s campaign, exposing weaknesses in a squad that struggled to meet expectations.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox subsequently travelled to Monaco for discussions with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the club’s leadership concluding that a managerial change was necessary.
Mauricio Pochettino is widely expected to emerge as Carrick’s replacement as Manchester United seek stability after another disappointing managerial chapter.
Carrick’s departure makes it the third consecutive season the Premier League giants have dismissed their head coach during the campaign.
