# Manchester United Dismisses Manager Michael Carrick After Historic Poor Start The club seeks its eighth permanent manager following a record-breaking winless streak and relegation zone placement. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat English](https://english.aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/de9991f3-77e3-45c2-9d01-a62fbc9d1521 ## Carrick Departs Old Trafford Manchester United officially terminated Michael Carrick’s contract on Thursday following a disastrous start to the Premier League season. Despite being appointed just six months ago with a two-year deal, the club concluded that a leadership change was necessary. Carrick leaves the team sitting in 18th place within the relegation zone. ## Record-Breaking Poor Performance The current campaign marks United's worst start in 40 years, predating the modern Premier League era. With only eight points from ten matches and a single league victory, the team has struggled significantly. A recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa served as the final catalyst for the board's difficult decision. ## Pochettino Emerges as Candidate Reports indicate that Manchester United is actively pursuing Mauricio Pochettino as a potential permanent successor. The Argentine coach, currently under contract with the United States national team through the 2030 World Cup, has previous Premier League experience with Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea. No final decision has been confirmed by the club. ## Turbulent Post-Ferguson Era The dismissal of Carrick marks the eighth permanent managerial change since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. This period of instability has seen the club fall behind rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool. Despite hiring high-profile coaches, the club has failed to mount a serious title challenge for over a decade. ## Internal Club Tensions The atmosphere at the club has been strained, with key players like Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez publicly criticizing tactical decisions and leadership. Fans have also intensified their protests against the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe, demanding a sale of the club. Pressure is mounting on CEO Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. ## Legacy of a Legend Despite the professional failure, the club acknowledged Carrick’s status as a Manchester United legend. The board praised his dedication and professionalism during his tenure, noting his contributions as a player and his leadership last season. Carrick was seen arriving at the training ground on Thursday before his departure was finalized. ## Broader Sports Governance Beyond the Manchester United crisis, FIFA recently evaluated bids for the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cups. The 2031 bid, led by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, aims to host 48 teams. Meanwhile, the 2035 bid features a joint effort from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the tournament. ## Infrastructure and Hosting Requirements FIFA confirmed that both Women's World Cup bids met minimum hosting requirements ahead of the November 23 vote. The 2031 proposal includes 20 stadiums, though some venues require grass field installations. US government agencies have provided necessary assurances regarding immigration, security, and work permits to support the successful delivery of the event. ## Women's World Cup Draw FIFA also announced the draw process for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, scheduled for December 11 in Rio de Janeiro. The tournament will utilize four pots of eight teams based on rankings. Currently, Spain holds the top spot, followed by the United States, Germany, and England in the global standings. ## Strategic Implications for Clubs The rapid turnover at Manchester United highlights the extreme pressure on modern football managers to deliver immediate results. As the club searches for its next leader, the focus remains on restoring competitive standards. The ongoing scrutiny of ownership and management suggests that further structural changes may be required to achieve long-term success. ## Sources covering this story - https://english.aawsat.com/node/5340591 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._