Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick, bringing an end to a short but dramatic second spell in charge at Old Trafford.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach, following a disappointing start to the new season.
In an official statement, United said it had come to the “extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.”
It is a cruel twist for a man who only months ago looked like the long-term answer.
Carrick rejoined the club in January and produced one of the great turnarounds in recent Premier League history. He guided United to a third-placed finish in the 2025/26 season, winning 12 of his remaining 17 games and accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
That stunning run reignited belief among supporters, restored confidence in the dressing room, and earned Carrick huge praise across English football.
But football moves fast. After a disappointing start to this season, pressure mounted, results faded, and the club’s hierarchy decided they could not wait any longer.
Despite the decision, United were full of praise for their former midfielder.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the club said. “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.”
Carrick made over 460 appearances for United as a player, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2008, before moving into coaching.
The club says it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, with an interim arrangement expected to be announced in the coming days.
