Michael Carrick has departed his role as head coach at Manchester United after a prolonged period of uncertainty, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to take the helm imminently. The club confirmed Carrick's dismissal on Thursday morning, ending an "agonizing wait" for the former player and his backroom staff, who have also departed.
Staff members at the club have expressed significant displeasure, describing Carrick's treatment by the club's new Ineos leadership as "disgusting." This sentiment stems from the perception that Carrick was left in limbo while management, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, reportedly met with Pochettino. The situation has reportedly been exacerbated by the club's recent 450 job cuts and significant compensation payouts for coaching changes, pushing the cost of managerial turnover in the Ineos era close to £50 million.
United sources indicated that the decision to dismiss Carrick was made due to the team's poor performance, with only one win in their last 10 Premier League games, leaving the club in the relegation zone. A comprehensive review concluded that the record was unacceptable and that a change was necessary to improve the squad's performance.
Carrick's backroom staff, including assistant Steve Holland, coaches Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion, along with goalkeeper coach Craig Mawson, have also left the club. The departure of Jonny Evans, seen leaving with boxes on Wednesday night, foreshadowed the official announcement.
Mauricio Pochettino is anticipated to be in place at Old Trafford within the next week. He is currently with the US national team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. Pochettino is scheduled to address the media on Friday, his first public comments regarding the Manchester United position, before potentially taking charge for a crucial match against Liverpool at Anfield the following Sunday.
The club's statement praised Carrick for his "highest degree of professionalism," but there was a notable silence from players on social media following the announcement. Many players are currently on international duty, including Bruno Fernandes, whose public criticism of Carrick's tactics after a Champions League defeat was reportedly damaging.
Club Culture and Future Direction
Questions have been raised about the club's culture and management following these events. Berrada's comments at a recent event about building a club culture have been met with skepticism by some staff, who feel that significant changes are needed higher up the organizational chain. The relationship between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who retain significant control, remains a focal point of discussion regarding the club's long-term strategy and stability.