Manchester United’s head coach Michael Carrick is expected to lose his job during the international break after a catastrophic start to the 2026/27 Premier League season left the club in the relegation zone. Multiple credible reports confirm the hierarchy has lost faith, with work already underway on replacements ahead of the trip to Anfield on November 22.
United sit 18th with just eight points from 10 games — one win, five draws and four defeats. They have scored 14 goals and conceded 19. The only league victory came against Ipswich Town in August. Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, in which United twice recovered from two goals down, was not enough to save Carrick. It marked the club’s worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years.
From Interim Hero to Relegation Contender
Carrick, 45, stepped in as interim coach in January 2026 after Ruben Amorim was sacked. He transformed the team, guiding United from mid-table to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. The club rewarded him with a two-year contract in May 2026. Expectations were high heading into the new campaign.
Reality has been brutal. Heavy defeats to Como in the Champions League (4-1) and Bournemouth at home (3-0) in late October brought the first serious talk of dismissal. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox considered a change then, but the board gave Carrick more time to turn things around before the November international break. Results since have not improved sufficiently: a 2-0 loss at Chelsea, a Champions League win over Roma, and the 4-4 Villa draw.
Reports on Monday night stated that United intend to sack Carrick, with sources expecting the decision before the Liverpool match. Carrick arrived at Carrington early on Tuesday as speculation peaked. The club has insisted no final decision has been taken, but the direction of travel is clear.
What Went Wrong This Season?
Injuries have hit hard. Benjamin Šeško, Amad Diallo and others have missed significant time. Tactical questions have also arisen. Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised aspects of Carrick’s approach after the Como defeat, and there have been reports of dressing-room friction. Defensively, United have been porous, conceding heavily in key games.
The wider context at Old Trafford cannot be ignored. This is the latest chapter in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era of managerial instability. Amorim lasted only 14 months. The combination of ownership involving the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, sporting direction under Wilcox, and recruitment has left successive coaches fighting uphill battles. Sacking the manager is often the quickest visible action, even if deeper structural issues remain.
Who Could Replace Him?
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the clear frontrunner. The current USA national team coach is open to the role. He has an escape clause in his US contract reportedly worth around £7 million. Pochettino previously managed Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG, and led the USA to the World Cup round of 16 this summer.
Other names in the frame include former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, ex-Germany and Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte, who is known to be interested. Some fans have floated club legends such as Wayne Rooney, though that remains speculative. United have already sounded out candidates in recent weeks.
Fan and Media Reaction
Reaction has been fierce. Some United supporters argue that sacking Carrick simply restarts the managerial carousel without fixing underlying problems. Others believe a change is overdue given the league position. One widely shared view was that moving from Carrick to Pochettino could be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Former player Roy Keane was quoted criticising the potential move and calling the club’s decision-making a joke.
Pundits and journalists have highlighted the risk of relegation. With Arsenal, Brighton and Manchester City flying at the top, and Liverpool, Chelsea and others well clear, United face a genuine fight to stay in the Premier League for the first time in the modern era.
What Happens Next?
The international break gives United time to act. If Carrick is dismissed, a caretaker or immediate permanent appointment is expected so the new coach can prepare for Anfield. The financial cost of terminating Carrick’s contract and potentially compensating a new manager, especially Pochettino, will be significant, but the hierarchy appears willing to pay it.
For Carrick, it would be a swift and painful end to a permanent tenure that began with so much promise only six months ago. For Manchester United, it would mark yet another attempt to reverse a decade of decline. Whether the next appointment finally delivers stability, or simply continues the cycle, will define the rest of this season and beyond.
The club’s next fixture is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22. By then, the dugout could look very different. Fans and observers will be watching closely for the official confirmation that has so far been delayed, but which most now see as inevitable. The pressure on the entire structure at Old Trafford is intense, and the coming days will reveal whether the club’s decision-makers can finally break the pattern of short-term fixes that has defined the post-Ferguson years. Results, recruitment, and on-pitch identity all require urgent attention if United are to avoid a historic drop into the Championship.
