Manchester United have officially parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick following a disastrous start to the 2026/2027 campaign, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford.

The decision, announced on Thursday, November 12, comes less than six months after Carrick signed a permanent contract with the English giants following an impressive interim spell that secured Champions League qualification.

According to Reuters in its November 12 report, Manchester United dismissed Carrick after a prolonged run of disappointing results left the club in 18th position in the Premier League standings, with only eight points from their opening 10 league matches.

The club confirmed the departure in an official statement, explaining that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions following an unsatisfactory beginning to the new season.

United also acknowledged Carrick's contribution during his previous spell, praising his professionalism, dedication and achievements at the club.

Sky Sports, in its November 12 coverage, reported that the decision followed discussions involving co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox during a meeting in Monaco.

The club's leadership had reportedly become concerned about the team's performances despite giving Carrick additional opportunities to turn around the situation.

His dismissal followed Sunday's dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, where United recovered from two goals behind on separate occasions but failed to secure all three points.

The result left the club struggling in the relegation zone, intensifying pressure on the coaching staff and the club's leadership.

Al Jazeera, in its November 12 report, highlighted the dramatic contrast between Carrick's achievements during the previous campaign and his struggles in the current season.

The former Manchester United midfielder initially took charge in January after Ruben Amorim's departure.

He subsequently guided the team to third place in the Premier League, securing Champions League football after winning 12 of his remaining 17 league matches.

His impressive interim performance convinced the club to offer him a permanent contract in May, running until 2028.

However, United struggled to maintain that momentum, winning only three of their first 15 matches across all competitions this season.

The Guardian, in its November 10 report, had already revealed that United's senior football executives were preparing to recommend Carrick's dismissal following an assessment of the team's performances.

The publication identified Pochettino as a leading candidate to replace the Englishman, with Eddie Howe also mentioned among the managers being considered at the time.

Attention has now shifted towards the Argentine tactician, who currently manages the United States men's national team.

BBC Sport, in its November 11 report, revealed that Manchester United had opened discussions with Pochettino about potentially taking over at Old Trafford.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager was reportedly ready to accept an offer from United, although he wanted to respect his existing commitments to the United States Soccer Federation.

His contract, which was extended in August, reportedly contains a £7.5 million release clause that United would need to address to secure his services.

The Associated Press, in its November 12 coverage, also reported that Pochettino had emerged as a potential successor following Carrick's dismissal.

The Argentine has considerable experience in English football, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

His Tottenham side reached the 2019 Champions League final, although they lost to Liverpool.

His experience managing major European clubs is among the factors attracting attention as United consider their next managerial appointment.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that Pochettino could remain with the United States national team for its upcoming Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti before beginning his potential new assignment in England.

Manchester United are expected to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22 after the international break, meaning their next managerial appointment could face an immediate challenge.

Carrick's departure makes him another managerial casualty in Manchester United's post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, following the exits of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

The immediate focus is now on whether United can finalise an agreement with Pochettino and begin rebuilding a campaign that has placed the former Premier League champions in an unexpected relegation battle.