Manchester United sack Michael Carrick as team drops into relegation zone

Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick, according to statements and reports from Al Jazeera, the Irish Times, and thejournal.ie. The decision comes after the team fell into the Premier League relegation zone. Al Jazeera and the Irish Times reported that United currently sit 18th in the table, with the Irish Times noting they are one point behind 17th-placed Coventry. As FTMQ News reported earlier, United executives had scheduled a meeting in Monaco to decide Carrick's position after the club made its worst start to a domestic season in 40 years. [3][4][5][15][16]

The Irish Times and the Irish Examiner reported that Mauricio Pochettino is expected to replace Carrick as head coach. According to the Irish Times, Pochettino has a framework agreement to join the club, which has managed just one win from its last 11 matches. The Irish Times noted that Pochettino, who is currently head coach of the United States, has a release clause of about $10 million, or €9 million, and United would face additional costs to bring in his coaching staff. [1][3]

Before Pochettino emerged as the leading candidate, the Irish Examiner reported that former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was initially a favourite for the job. Howe was preferred by director of football Jason Wilcox as well as his predecessor, Dan Ashworth. The Irish Examiner added that troubled decisions and confused appointments have persisted at Old Trafford since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013. [1]

Carrick previously had a 12-year playing career with Manchester United, making 464 appearances, scoring 24 goals, and captaining the team before retiring at age 36. During his time as a player, he helped win 11 major trophies. Al Jazeera reported that the club has pledged to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible. [4][12][14]