Manchester United have officially confirmed the departure of Michael Carrick as men’s first-team head coach, ending his tenure less than six months after handing him a permanent contract until 2028.
The announcement came on Thursday, November 12, following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign that has left the 20-time English champions in the Premier League relegation zone.
In an official statement, Manchester United said:
“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“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 departure follows a difficult opening 10 Premier League fixtures in which United collected just eight points, recording only one league victory and slipping to 18th place in the standings.
His final match in charge was Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Despite recovering from two separate two-goal deficits to rescue a point, United’s defensive problems and inconsistent performances continued to raise concerns about the team’s direction.
The 45-year-old initially returned to Old Trafford in January 2026 following Ruben Amorim’s departure and made an immediate impact, winning 12 of his final 17 league matches to guide United to third place and secure Champions League qualification.
Those achievements earned him a permanent appointment in May, with a contract running until 2028.
However, the former United midfielder has been unable to reproduce that success this season, resulting in the club’s decision to end his tenure.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Carrick. Reports indicate that an agreement is in place for the current United States national team coach to take charge at Old Trafford, although Manchester United have yet to officially announce his appointment.
United now face the task of finding a new permanent head coach as they attempt to turn around their troubled campaign.