⚽ Manchester United fire Michael Carrick after one win in 10

Manchester United fired head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday, the club confirmed, after the worst start to a Premier League season in the club's history, according to AP. The scoreboard: one league win, eight points from 10 games, 18th place in the 20-team table.

Who says what

The club statement, as published by ESPN and NBC Sports, says: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach." It adds that the club "has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions."

"Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend."

Manchester United club statement, as published by AP

ESPN reports that Carrick was told of the decision at the club's Carrington training ground on Thursday morning by executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. ESPN says that followed a Wednesday meeting in Monaco between the pair and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. ESPN attributes that to sources.

The money

The contract: ESPN reports Carrick signed a two-year deal in May, and AP says the firing came less than six months later. The payout: none of the reports read states what Carrick is owed, or whether any compensation has been agreed. That figure is not on record.

The money that is reported belongs to the next hire. ESPN, citing sources, says United have told U.S. Soccer they intend to trigger a $10 million release clause in Pochettino's contract once personal terms are agreed, and that his staff could cost another $2M. UPI, citing sources told to The Athletic and ESPN, gives the same $10 million figure.

The Pochettino link, as reported

The Pochettino story is reported, not confirmed. AP cites an anonymous source with knowledge of the situation who said United were working on a potential deal. UPI says sources told ESPN, The Athletic and The Guardian that a framework agreement has been reached. Football Insider reports that a verbal agreement is in place, citing sources. The club's statement names no successor.

Football Insider also quotes former United chief scout Mick Brown, who says he has "major doubts" about Pochettino. That is one pundit's opinion, not a club position.

The response

The club's statement is the only on-record response in the reports read. No public statement from Carrick since the firing was found in them. AP notes he insisted he would not walk away after Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. No public comment from Pochettino or U.S. Soccer was found either.

"It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability."

Manchester United Supporters' Trust statement, as reported by AP

What happens next

ESPN reports United expect Pochettino at Carrington by Nov. 18 at the latest, ahead of a Nov. 22 game at Liverpool. ESPN also says the U.S. plays Haiti on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17, and that how to handle those games is to be settled between Pochettino and U.S. Soccer. The club says only that it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

Backstory

Carrick took over in January after Ruben Amorim's dismissal, per ESPN. He won 12 of the final 17 league games, and United finished third and qualified for the Champions League, per the club statement. AP says United now hunt for an eighth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson left 13 years ago. ESPN says Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 and Amorim in January 2026.

As of Nov 12, 9:17 AM ET, Manchester United have confirmed Carrick's departure and want a permanent successor quickly. Pending: Carrick's payout, which no report states, and any confirmed deal with Pochettino, which is reported by sources but unannounced.