The club announced Carrick’s departure on Thursday, November 12, saying it had taken the decision after concluding that a change of leadership was necessary to achieve its ambitions.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 season, despite his impressive achievement of guiding the club to third place in the Premier League last season.
The club announced Carrick’s departure on Thursday, November 12, saying it had taken the decision after concluding that a change of leadership was necessary to achieve its ambitions.
“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,” Manchester United said in a statement.
Carrick, who rejoined United in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, initially transformed the team’s fortunes, winning 12 of the remaining 17 league matches to secure a third-place finish in the 2025/26 campaign.
The club said United accumulated the highest points tally in the Premier League during that period, with Carrick’s performance earning him a permanent appointment.
However, his impressive turnaround failed to translate into sustained success in the new campaign, with United enduring a difficult run of results that plunged the club into the relegation zone.
According to Reuters, United had managed just three victories in their previous 15 matches, with defensive weaknesses and declining performances contributing to the decision to part ways with the former England international.
The team’s problems were also exposed by a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, which followed a run of seven matches without victory across all competitions.
Carrick also faced growing pressure over the team’s tactical organisation, fitness levels and inability to maintain attacking effectiveness.
Sky Sports reported that United’s struggles were compounded by an underwhelming summer transfer window, during which the club failed to address key gaps in the squad, particularly in the left-back and centre-forward positions.
There were also signs of growing tension within the dressing room, with captain Bruno Fernandes questioning the team’s tactical approach, while defender Lisandro Martinez had criticised the club’s recruitment decisions.
Despite the disappointing campaign, Manchester United paid tribute to Carrick, describing him as a club legend and commending his professionalism and dedication.
“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,” the statement added.
The club said his leadership and achievements during the previous season would be fondly remembered, adding that it intended to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Carrick made 464 appearances for United as a player between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League among other honours.