Michael Carrick has been officially relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager, with four more members of his backroom staff – also leaving Old Trafford with immediate effect
It’s not just Michael Carrick’s spell at Manchester United that has come to an end… Four members of the backroom team are set to follow him out of the door.
Carrick was officially let go on Thursday morning following a difficult week of conjecture about the Englishman’s position. His departure follows just one victory in 10 Premier League fixtures, while the Red Devils’ overall record makes for equally grim viewing. United have managed only three wins all season, with the remaining two coming in the Champions League.
It’s a bleak situation for United, particularly as they entered the November international break searching for yet another new manager. However, before their new head coach is confirmed, United have announced further departures following Carrick’s dismissal.
They include some of Carrick’s closest allies, with his assistant Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion all departing the club with immediate effect. It seems Darren Fletcher, who previously took temporary charge, will stay at the club, though.
This forms part of the latest INEOS-driven restructure at Old Trafford, though patience is already wearing thin with those making the decisions.
The club’s supporters’ trust MUST issued a statement slamming INEOS and the Glazers, declaring: “Michael Carrick’s departure marks another depressing moment for Manchester United. We thank him for his service and for restoring hope during the second half of last season. His standing among supporters remains undiminished.
“The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United’s problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager. They lie with the ownership.
“The Glazers’ debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When INEOS came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but. It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability.”
United confirmed Carrick’s dismissal through a statement posted on the club’s official website, which stated: “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-place 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.”
United’s first fixture following the international break sees them travel to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool, before hosting Sporting and Brentford in subsequent matches.
They’re currently languishing in the bottom three of the Premier League table, with the spectre of relegation looming large. Mauricio Pochettino is widely tipped to take over from Carrick.