Manchester United have parted company with Michael Carrick following a disappointing run of results that left the club struggling in the Premier League, with the former midfielder managing just 16 matches in his permanent role and recording only one victory in his last 11 games across all competitions.
United’s struggles also extended to the league, where they endured an eight-match winless run after their only victory, a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, while a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa left them 18th in the table.
Pressure on Carrick had already intensified following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, which came just four days after a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.
Tensions also emerged within the squad, particularly after Carrick left captain Bruno Fernandes out of the Bournemouth match for sporting reasons.
Fernandes had appeared to question the team’s tactics following the Como defeat, while defender Lisandro Martinez also criticised the club’s investment in the squad and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick took the permanent job in May on a two-year contract after an impressive interim spell, during which he replaced Ruben Amorim in January and guided United from seventh to third, collecting 39 points in 17 league matches and securing notable victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
United have reportedly identified United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino as their preferred replacement, with the Argentine’s release expected to cost around $10 million.
Pochettino previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, while Carrick’s departure adds to United’s managerial instability since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
