Manchester United sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday after their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino widely tipped to replace him.
Former United captain Carrick led the team to an impressive third-place finish last season, but they have taken just eight points from 10 games in the current campaign and are in the relegation zone.
The club confirmed in a statement that it had parted ways with the 45-year-old, following mounting speculation he would be axed during the international break.
“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,” United’s statement said.
“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.”
United said they intended to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”.
Carrick impressed after taking over as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit in January, leading United to Champions League qualification.
He was rewarded with a two-year permanent deal but, hampered by the club’s underwhelming recruitment in the summer transfer window, his side has endured a steep decline this season.
Carrick has struggled to maintain discipline, dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after he criticised his manager’s tactics following a 4-1 thrashing at Champions League debutants Como.
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