Get Guardian on GoogleManchester United have dismissed Michael Carrick. He departs after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford last Sunday that left the team in the Premier League’s bottom three.
United twice fought back from two goals down for a late point against Villa, after a dramatic recovery to defeat Roma in the Champions League five days earlier, but that wasn’t enough.
United are third-bottom in the Premier League, a point behind 17th-placed Coventry, and 17th in the Champions League league phase table.
His departure follows a review led by the director of football, Jason Wilcox, and a recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls sporting policy.
United, who have an agreement in place with USA head coach Pochettino, say they intend to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”. He is set to be the eighth permanent appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
As things stand, the Argentine is likely to remain in charge of the USA for their Nations League against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday before starting work next Thursday.
Sky Sports News understands Pochettino has a £7m release clause in his newly-signed contract with the USA. Talks with the United Soccer Federation are expected to gather pace in the coming days.
Carrick took training in Manchester on Wednesday as United reached a verbal agreement with Pochettino.
Meanwhile, club chiefs were at a Monaco summit with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. That is where the decision to sack Carrick was ratified by Ratcliffe following the recommendation of chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick’s exit follows United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, when they fell 2-0 down inside four minutes and then 4-2 down early in the second half before mounting a last-gasp comeback to draw.
The rescue job followed a similar turnaround to beat Roma in the Champions League last Tuesday but was not enough to convince the United hierarchy to continue with the former midfielder in charge.
Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, who were part of the coaching set up under Carrick, are also expected to leave.
