Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as manager with immediate effect, bringing an end to his permanent spell at Old Trafford following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 season.
United’s decision comes after a chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, a result that further exposed the team’s defensive problems and intensified pressure on the manager.
Carrick had reportedly been given the Aston Villa fixture and the midweek Champions League encounter against Roma as opportunities to turn things around. However, the draw against Villa failed to deliver the response the club’s hierarchy wanted.
The dismissal represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the former United midfielder, who guided the club to a third-place Premier League finish last season before signing a two-year contract to take charge permanently.
Just 10 league matches into the new campaign, his position became untenable as United slipped into the relegation zone.
The Red Devils have managed just one victory from their opening 10 league fixtures, collecting eight points in a run that has left the club facing an unexpected battle near the bottom of the table.
Against Aston Villa, United twice recovered from two-goal deficits but could not turn their fightback into victory. The eight-goal encounter highlighted the team’s inability to protect its goal, adding to concerns over Carrick’s tactical approach and the club’s poor start.
Romano provides update as Carrick’s future hangs in the balance
Before the reported dismissal, Romano had repeatedly indicated that Carrick’s position was under serious threat.
In a post on X on November 11, 2026, the transfer journalist revealed that the manager had returned to Carrington to oversee training despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future.
“Michael Carrick, at Carrington today to lead Manchester United training again — same as yesterday.
“No formal communication from the club on his future yet but from today expected any moment. The expectation remains for Carrick to be sacked, waiting for Sir Jim Ratcliffe green light.”
Romano also reported that Manchester United were not actively pursuing an alternative managerial solution immediately after the Aston Villa draw, suggesting that the club’s leadership was still considering its next move.
Reports subsequently indicated that the decision to remove Carrick followed a meeting involving key figures in the club’s leadership, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
The meeting reportedly took place in Monaco on Wednesday, where the club’s leadership discussed the managerial situation.
Carrick was also reported to have felt disrespected by the manner in which information about his impending departure reached the media before the club had formally explained its decision to him.