Manchester United dismiss Michael Carrick, appoint Mauricio Pochettino as successor

Manchester United announced the termination of Michael Carrick's contract as head coach, less than six months after he signed a two-year deal. The club said the decision was taken because a change was needed to meet its ambitions, after United recorded only one win in ten league matches and fell into the relegation zone.

The club confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino, currently the United States national team manager, has verbally agreed to take over and will be appointed as soon as possible. Pochettino is expected to complete his United States duties in the Nations League before joining United next week.

"You can keep changing the manager and thinking that's going to be the answer. But this has been proven now over 12 years, that's not the answer," former player Gary Neville said on Sky Sports, adding that the club needs stronger leadership and improvements in performance and recruitment.

United's board, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, ratified the decision at a meeting with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The club also expects assistant coaches Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate to leave.

Carrick, who was appointed in January 2026 after Ruben Amorim's dismissal, had previously guided United to a 12-win run in 17 games, securing a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification. However, a run of three wins in 15 matches this term led to his dismissal.

Pochettino's contract with the United States includes a £7 million release clause, and talks with the United Soccer Federation are expected to progress in the coming days.