Get Guardian on GoogleCrystal Palace also sack Sage
Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United manager. The decision comes after a catastrophic start to the season, with the fallen giants falling into the Premier League relegation zone, reports dailystar.co.uk.
Carrick avoided the sack in October after a crisis meeting was held between the owners the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, alongside Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox following their 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
However, it proved to be just a temporary stay of execution, with the legendary midfielder now out of the club after a dramatic 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa. United twice came from two goals down, including two strikes in injury time to rescue a point, but the big picture required the hosts to win and climb out of the drop zone.
Carrick arrived at Carrington yesterday morning, alongside executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, and the club later officially confirmed his exit in a statement on their website, which reads: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, 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. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
The hunt for his replacement is already done with former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino set to take the job after reaching an agreement to become the new Old Trafford boss earlier this week. Pochettino is currently with the USA squad for the international break and United will pay compensation to buy him out of his contract.
The former Chelsea and Spurs boss is reported to cost United around £7million in compensation, while sacking Carrick is expected to cost the club around £5m. If the underfire United hierarchy made this change in the summer, it wouldn’t have cost a penny in compensation, with both managers previously out of contract.
Club legend Carrick, 45, returned to the Red Devils for his second spell as interim manager after Ruben Amorim’s sacking back in January – and he immediately breathed new life into the team as they played Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City off the park.
United looked to be heading back to their very best as Carrick propelled them into the Champions League during a successful first few months at the helm, finishing third in the table. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS then decided to appoint the former midfielder – who won it all at Old Trafford as a player – as their new permanent manager on a two-year contract.
However, United lost midfield general Casemiro, when his contract expired in June, and embarked on an ill-fated rebuild. The Red Devils led by director of football Jason Wilcox signed three midfielders in the form of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
It left them with no money to spend on desperately needed defensive and attacking reinforcements despite being outspent by all three promoted clubs – a failing which became very apparent, very quickly.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have also sacked manager Pierre Sage less than five months after his appointment.
The former Lens and Lyon boss succeeded Oliver Glasner in June but secured just two Premier League wins and one draw from 10 matches.
Palace sit bottom of the table following Sunday’s 3-1 loss at home to Liverpool.
Three members of Sage’s coaching staff – Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard – have also left the club.
“Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Pierre Sage has left his role as manager,” read a club statement.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Pierre and his staff for their efforts during their time in south London, and wish them well for the future.”
