Manchester United are increasingly expected to part ways with head coach Michael Carrick following the club’s disastrous start to the 2026/27 season, which has left the Premier League giants languishing in the relegation zone.
Key Highlights
- Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are likely to recommend Carrick’s dismissal to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.
- United sit 18th in the Premier League, one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace, with one win in 10 league games.
- It is the club’s worst start to a league campaign in 40 years, dating back to 1986/87.
- Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa followed a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on October 25.
- Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino have been linked with the job.
Although the club’s management has yet to make a final decision, reports indicate that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are likely to recommend Carrick’s dismissal to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.
United had initially decided to give the 45-year-old manager more time after their humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on October 25, with the November international break identified as an opportunity to review his performance.
However, Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa has further increased pressure on the former Manchester United midfielder.
Worst League Start in 40 Years
The result leaves United 18th in the Premier League table, just one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace, having managed only one victory in their opening 10 league matches.
Their current position represents the club’s worst start to a domestic league campaign in 40 years, dating back to the 1986/87 season.
United have also conceded 19 goals in the league, with only Crystal Palace and Ipswich recording worse defensive statistics.
The club’s struggles have raised questions about Carrick’s tactical decisions, defensive organisation, squad management and ability to restore confidence among the players.
United’s disappointing campaign has been compounded by injuries to several key players, including Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo and Luke Shaw, while inconsistent performances have further weakened the team’s prospects.
Tensions within the dressing room have also emerged, with defender Lisandro Martinez previously criticising the club’s summer recruitment and directing blame towards technical director Wilcox.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has equally expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s tactical approach, adding to concerns about the relationship between the coaching staff and players.
Despite moments of resilience, including their late comeback against Aston Villa, United have struggled to maintain consistency, recording just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions this season.
Read also:
- Carrick, Bruno Fernandes Hold Face-To-Face Meeting to Resolve Differences
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- Dominant Chelsea Secure All 3 Points As Man United Crumble Under Pressure
Possible Replacements
Attention has now shifted towards possible replacements should the club decide to end Carrick’s tenure.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are among the names previously linked with the position.
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is also reportedly interested in the Old Trafford job, while former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be open to taking charge of United.
Pochettino, who signed a contract extension as head coach of the United States national team in August, is believed to have clauses that could allow him to leave for certain high-profile managerial positions.
The United States are scheduled to face Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League play-off on November 14 and 18.
With the club struggling near the bottom of the table and mounting pressure on the leadership to reverse its fortunes, Carrick’s future at Old Trafford appears increasingly uncertain.
However, Manchester United’s board is yet to announce a final decision on his position.
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