Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick and appointed Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino as their new men’s head coach — another big managerial change at Old Trafford after a poor start to the 2026-27 season which has seen the club struggle in the Premier League.
Carrick was to leave on 12 November 2026 while Pochettino agreed to take charge of the team on 13 November. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager is due to start his new job on 18 November.
Why Did Manchester United Fire Michael Carrick?
Michael Carrick’s second spell as Manchester United boss ended after a poor start to the new season.
Carrick returned initially in January 2026 after Ruben Amorim left. He had an impressive interim spell as United won 12 of their remaining 17 Premier League games and finished third in the 2025–26 season.
His performances earned him a permanent post and a contract running until 2028.
However things turned around in 2026-27. United won just one of their first 10 Premier League games and finished 18th in the league table.
Their 4–4 draw with Aston Villa the previous week only added to the pressure on coaching staff and club management. After talks between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox United decided they needed a change at the top level.
The club thanked Carrick for his contribution and praised him for professionalism and achievements at Old Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino Agrees to Become Manchester United Manager
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Mauricio Pochettino to become their new manager.
The 54-year-old Argentine has had a long career managing big European clubs (Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea).
Pochettino is best known for turning Tottenham into regular Champions League contenders and taking the club to the 2019 Champions League final.
During his time at Paris Saint-Germain he also won the French Ligue 1 title and domestic cup competitions.
Pochettino was most recently managing the United States men’s national football team. Manchester United agreed with the US Soccer Federation that he and his coaching staff would be released after their international commitments were completed.
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 13, 2026
When Will Pochettino Take Charge at Manchester United?
As Manchester United announced Pochettino will start his new job on November 18, 2026.
He will meet the players and oversee training before his managerial debut against Liverpool on November 22.
The game at Anfield next week will be an early test for the new manager (United are struggling in the league).
Can Pochettino Revive Manchester United?
Pochettino has a big job at Old Trafford. United need consistency, better defensive showings and more attacking efficiency to move away from the relegation zone.
His high intensity playing style and experience in developing young players might give the squad a new direction.
But changing the club’s fortunes won’t be done by a managerial appointment alone. Pochettino will need support from the management, squad performance improvements and time to implement his footballing philosophy.
Manchester United fans will now hope the Argentine can restore confidence and help them return to competing for major honours.
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