Maguire pays tribute as Manchester United sack Carrick and move for Pochettino

Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a meeting of the club’s hierarchy in Monaco on Wednesday, with Mauricio Pochettino identified as his replacement. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to make the decision, with the club confirming Carrick’s departure on Thursday morning.

United sit 18th in the Premier League, having collected just eight points from their opening 10 matches. They have won only three games in all competitions this season and carry the joint-worst defensive record across Europe’s top five leagues — a stark contrast to the form Carrick produced when he first took charge.

Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis in May after an impressive interim spell, during which he guided United to third in the Premier League following Ruben Amorim’s sacking — winning 12 of the final 17 league games of the 2025/26 season. The club’s statement acknowledged that period warmly while making clear the current campaign had forced their hand.

“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,” United said. “Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.”

Despite the poor results, Carrick continued to take training during the international break even as his dismissal became inevitable. His standing among the playing squad was underlined by Harry Maguire, the first United player to respond publicly. Posting a photo of himself shaking hands with Carrick on Instagram, the defender wrote: “Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you.”

Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, will cost United a reported £7.4 million in compensation following the contract extension he signed in August after the World Cup. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is expected to be confirmed as permanent head coach as quickly as possible, according to the club’s statement.