Manchester United sack Michael Carrick as Mauricio Pochettino closes in ahead of Liverpool trip

Manchester United have pulled the trigger on Michael Carrick. After 10 league matches, they sit 18th in the Premier League, with one win all season. That is the hard reality, and ultimately it cost him his job.

The dismissal came during the international break, after a run of results that left little room for debate. A club statement said United had concluded that a change was necessary after a disappointing start to the season. They had just lost 3-0 to Bournemouth, 2-0 at Chelsea and 4-1 away to Como in the Champions League. Even the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa did more to underline the chaos than offer encouragement. United were 2-0 and 4-2 down before late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued a point.

That leaves United in their lowest position after 10 top-flight games since 1986-87. For a club with their budget and expectations, that is grim reading.

Pochettino lined up for Old Trafford

Carrick only took over in January, following Ruben Amorim’s departure, and did enough to earn the job full time. He guided United to third place and Champions League qualification, then signed a contract until 2028 in May. He lasted 173 days after that deal was agreed.

Mauricio Pochettino is now close to becoming the next Manchester United manager. An outline agreement is reportedly in place with the current United States coach, and a framework has been agreed with US Soccer. His contract extension from three months ago includes a $10 million release clause, and he is expected to be in charge for the trip to Anfield, although no appointment had been confirmed at the time of writing.

Marcus Rashford injury latest before Liverpool

One possible boost before Liverpool is Marcus Rashford. United are hopeful the forward can be available after beginning a new treatment programme. He travelled to Dublin last week with a member of the club’s medical staff to consult a groin specialist, and a revised recovery plan is now in place.

Rashford returned to Old Trafford in the summer after a year on loan at Barcelona, having suffered a hip injury at the World Cup. He featured in United’s first six league games, the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid in mid-October. He then aggravated the problem, and it spread to his groin.

He has missed the last six matches. His record against Liverpool gives United some reason to push for his return quickly. Rashford has scored seven goals against them in his career, including in FA Cup wins in 2021 and 2024.

Anfield now frames the next step

For United, everything now points to Anfield. New manager, possible return for Rashford, and a table that already looks ugly. There is no time for sentiment. Carrick paid for poor results, and whoever comes next inherits a mess that needs fixing quickly.