Carrick dismissed as Manchester United endure worst start in 40 years
The departure marks the first time in the club’s 148-year history that it has dismissed two managers within a calendar year.
Manchester United have removed Michael Carrick as head coach with the team in 18th place after taking eight points from 10 Premier League games. Their opening run, comprising one victory, five draws and four losses, is the club’s worst in 40 years.
United said their ambitions required a change of manager following the disappointing start. They plan to move quickly to appoint a permanent replacement.
The 45-year-old returned in January as interim manager after Ruben Amorim was dismissed. Champions League qualification followed, and United made Carrick’s appointment permanent in May. The club credited him with winning 12 of its remaining 17 league fixtures in 2025-26 to finish third.
Carrick’s tenure spanned 32 matches across all competitions, producing 15 victories, eight draws and nine defeats. He was permanent manager for 16 of those games and won only four of his last 16 matches.
Amorim’s January departure and Carrick’s November exit also leave United with managerial dismissals in three successive seasons, another first. Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024.
