United dismiss Carrick after three wins in 15 games and relegation-zone slide.
Manchester United have dismissed Michael Carrick after a dramatic collapse in results, ending a tenure that began with an impressive recovery but eventually exposed familiar questions about squad planning, recruitment, and repeated managerial changes at Old Trafford.
Three Wins in 15 End Carrick’s Tenure
Manchester United sacked Carrick on November 12 after winning only three of their first 15 matches in all competitions this season. The club sat 18th in the Premier League with eight points from 10 matches and only one league victory, while its defensive record had deteriorated sharply. United said a managerial change was necessary to meet its ambitions.
Strong Start Failed to Last
Carrick initially took charge after Ruben Amorim’s departure in January and won 11 of his first 16 matches, including victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. The recovery helped United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League, leading to Carrick’s appointment as permanent manager on a contract through 2028. The improvement did not continue into the new season, with United going eight consecutive league matches without a win before his dismissal.
Defensive Problems and Fernandes Decision Draw Scrutiny
Carrick faced criticism over United’s defensive organization and declining performances, while his handling of captain Bruno Fernandes also attracted attention. Carrick’s decision to bench Fernandes against Bournemouth drew scrutiny following the captain’s public criticism of his tactics. United subsequently lost 2-0 at Chelsea before recovering from two-goal deficits to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa in Carrick’s final match.
Recruitment Strategy Comes Under Question
Reuters noted that United spent about £150 million during the summer window on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans while leaving other weaknesses unresolved, particularly at left back. Luke Shaw remained the club’s only established senior option in that position, while years of signing players for different managers have contributed to a squad built around multiple tactical approaches.
Seventh Permanent Manager Gone Since Ferguson
Carrick became the seventh permanent Manchester United manager to be dismissed since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and the third since Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in the club in 2024. Mauricio Pochettino, currently coach of the United States men’s national team, has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him, although no appointment had been officially confirmed. Reuters argued that another managerial change alone would not address the club’s deeper problems with recruitment and squad construction.
Carrick’s dismissal extends Manchester United’s long search for sustained success after Ferguson, with the club again turning to a managerial change while questions remain over recruitment and footballing strategy. For Indonesian and Singaporean Premier League followers, United’s next appointment will be closely watched as the club tries to escape the relegation zone and rebuild after another turbulent start.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Reuters (2026)
Keywords: Michael Carrick Sacked, Manchester United Manager, Premier League 2026, Manchester United Crisis, Old Trafford, Mauricio Pochettino
