Manchester United sack Michael Carrick as manager

Manchester United have sacked manager Michael Carrick, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement, amid a torrid time for the global football giants, who find themselves in the league’s relegation zone. Carrick’s departure, which had been imminent after United made their worst start to the English top flight in 40 years, was announced on Thursday by the club, which said it would “appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible”.

“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach”, the Old Trafford club said in a statement. “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, 13-time Premier League champions, have been heavily linked with US Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino .

“Just as he [Carrick] did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club,” the statement added.