Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to the 2026-27 season. The English manager has been dismissed just 19 months before the scheduled expiration of his contract, with the club's poor performances across competitions prompting the decision to end his spell at Old Trafford.

The decision was communicated to Carrick following a meeting with club officials at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Thursday morning. The meeting reportedly focused on the team's disappointing results and the club's growing concerns about its direction under the English coach.

United have endured a difficult opening to the new campaign, with their position in the Premier League table falling towards the bottom. Their struggles have also extended to domestic cup competitions, as the Red Devils were eliminated from the Carabao Cup early in the season.

The situation has been equally concerning in Europe. Manchester United have lost two of their first four Champions League matches, adding further pressure on Carrick and raising questions about the team's ability to compete at the highest level.

With Carrick now out of the picture, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford. The Argentine manager, who is currently associated with the United States national team, had previously been considered one of the leading contenders for the Manchester United job.

Although an agreement on the personal terms of Pochettino's potential contract has reportedly been reached, Manchester United have yet to make any formal contact with US Soccer to discuss his release.

Bringing Pochettino to Old Trafford could prove financially challenging. The Argentine's contract reportedly includes a buyout clause worth $10 million, which United would need to pay to secure his services. The club would also have to consider additional compensation to bring members of his coaching staff to England.

Carrick's departure marks a significant change from the impressive work he delivered during the previous campaign. He initially took charge as interim manager in January and quickly made a positive impact on the team.

Under his leadership, Manchester United won 11 of their 16 Premier League matches. That impressive run helped the club finish third in the league standings, securing a strong position after a difficult period.

His performances convinced the club to offer him a permanent contract extending until June 2028. Expectations were high ahead of the new season, with supporters hoping he could build on the progress made during his interim spell.

However, the team's disappointing results at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign have dramatically changed the situation. The club ultimately decided that a change in leadership was necessary.

Now, attention will turn to Manchester United's next managerial appointment. With Pochettino among the leading names being discussed, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining the club's direction for the remainder of the season.