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Manchester United has sacked head coach Michael Carrick following its worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford.
The English club confirmed Carrick's departure on Thursday after collecting just eight points from its opening 10 league matches, leaving in in the relegation zone despite finishing third last season.
"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions," Manchester United said in a statement.
The club added that it intended to appoint a permanent replacement as quickly as possible.
Carrick, 45, initially took over as interim manager following Ruben Amorim's departure in January and guided United to a third-place finish, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League, Europe's leading club competition.
His success earned him a two-year permanent contract, but United struggled to maintain that momentum following an underwhelming summer transfer window.
Tensions increased after Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes following criticism of his tactics during a 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly questioned the club's recruitment decisions.
Carrick's final match was Sunday's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, after which he insisted he had no intention of stepping down.
However, with only three victories in 15 matches across all competitions, the club's leadership decided to make a change during the international break.
Pochettino, who previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, is now widely expected to succeed Carrick.
According to Sky Sports, United has reached a verbal agreement in principle with the Argentine coach, despite his signing a contract extension with the United States national team three months ago that runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann were also considered among the potential candidates.
Carrick's dismissal reportedly followed a meeting in Monaco involving United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick, who won multiple trophies during his playing career under former manager Alex Ferguson, became the seventh permanent United manager to be dismissed since Ferguson retired in 2013.
Former teammate Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Carrick on X, writing: "Forever Legend! Showed dignity & class as always."
Meanwhile, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust criticized the club's ownership, arguing that repeated leadership changes and unfulfilled promises of sporting improvement had contributed to United's difficulties.
United, who has not won the Premier League since Ferguson's departure, will return to action against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.
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