Carrick sacked as Rio slams ‘ChatGPT’ Man Utd release

Manchester United has made the decision to sack manager Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have moved after their worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years.

A club statement read: “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.”

Club legend Rio Ferdinand immediately slammed United for their release.

“Man United statement like Chat GPT…,” Ferdinand wrote on X.

“I wanna hear a voice!”

Before adding: “I want to see a face to this…”

United defender Harry Maguire posted a photo of he and Carrick on Instagram with some nice words for the departing coach.

Ex-Spurs, Chelsea boss the frontrunner

Mauricio Pochettino is considered the frontrunner to replace Carrick.

Sky Sports says the Argentine, who is the current USA national team manager, has reached a verbal agreement with the Red Devils and is expected to take over at some point this week.

United executives Omar Berrada (CEO) and Jason Wilcox (director of football) met with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to hash out their plans.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Pochettino has a $13.5 million (£7m) release clause with US Soccer. The USA has matches against Haiti this weekend and next week.

Pochettino, 54, has also coached Espanyol, Southampton and PSG.

If he is appointed, he will become United's eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013. There have also been a further five instances of caretaker/interim bosses, including Carrick's initial short-term stint in late 2021.