Manchester United set to sack Michael Carrick after worst start in 40 years

Manchester United are expected to sack head coach Michael Carrick, with senior figures at the club now “minded to remove” him following a catastrophic start to the Premier League season that has left United in the relegation zone.

Carrick has overseen United’s worst domestic start in 40 years, winning just one of their first ten Premier League matches. A 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday extended a run of one win, one draw and one defeat across the club’s most recent three fixtures — results that have proved insufficient to save his position.

According to The Guardian, United are “moving towards” sacking Carrick, though a final decision had not been reached at the time of reporting. There is described as a “growing expectation” within the club that the 45-year-old will be dismissed.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is leading the internal review into Carrick’s future. He and chief executive Omar Berrada will present a formal recommendation to owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe once a conclusion is reached. The pair had previously considered removing Carrick as recently as last month before opting to grant him more time.

Carrick was given the United job on a permanent basis earlier this year, having initially taken interim charge. His tenure has failed to arrest a slide that has seen the club fall into the bottom three of the top flight for the first time in recent memory.

Reports also indicate that work has already begun on identifying potential successors, suggesting the club is preparing to move quickly once a final decision is confirmed.