Michael Carrick Sacked: Manchester United's Slump Into the Relegation Zone Is the Trigger

Manchester United has finally made the major decision to dismiss Michael Carrick. The Red Devils management terminated the 45-year-old manager's tenure on Thursday 12 November 2026, less than six months after awarding him a two-year permanent contract.

This decision cannot be separated from Manchester United's poor performance at the start of the 2026/2027 season. After 10 matches in the Premier League, the Red Devils have only collected eight points, languishing in 18th place on the standings right inside the relegation zone.

From those 10 matches, United only secured one win, five draws, and four defeats. Their only victory was obtained against Ipswich Town with a 5-2 scoreline on the second matchweek. After that game, Carrick's side failed to pick up another three points in the league.

The 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on 8 November became Carrick's final match as Manchester United manager. This result extended United's winless run in the Premier League and left the club in an increasingly difficult position at the bottom of the table.

"Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed from his role as manager," stated the club's official announcement.

"Following this disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the very difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions."

This dismissal stands in stark contrast to Carrick's achievements the previous season. He took over the squad after Ruben Amorim left the club in January 2026, then guided United to finish the 2025/2026 Premier League in 3rd place.

In their official statement, Manchester United noted that Carrick secured 12 wins from the final 17 matches of last season. The club also expressed appreciation for his dedication and professionalism during his time leading the team.

However, this good form did not continue into the new season. The record of just one win from 10 league matches forced United to make this managerial change before the situation worsened further.

Carrick also becomes the first manager to be sacked in the 2026/2027 Premier League season. His departure comes amid heavy pressure: the club had set targets to compete once again at the top of the table, but now instead must focus on fighting to escape the relegation zone.

Attention has now turned to the replacement figure. Manchester United is reported to have reached an agreement with United States national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

That said, the appointment process is still awaiting the final resolution of his contract terms with the United States Soccer Federation.

The new Manchester United manager will not face an easy first challenge. After the international break, the Red Devils are scheduled to travel to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22 November 2026.

This fixture at Liverpool's home ground could prove a critical starting point for United's efforts to turn their season around.