David Ornstein drops late night update on Michael Carrick’s Man Utd future

Michael Carrick is on the verge of being fired as Manchester United head coach, reports David Ornstein.

Manchester United are leaning towards firing Michael Carrick, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

He reports via X: “Manchester United intend to relieve Michael Carrick of duties. #MUFC say no final decision & nothing set in stone but work undertaken on replacements + multiple sources anticipate change before Liverpool.”

🚨 Manchester United intend to relieve Michael Carrick of duties. #MUFC say no final decision & nothing set in stone but work undertaken on replacements + multiple sources anticipate change before Liverpool. W/ @lauriewhitwell @AdamCrafton_ @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/E1W3QbGYx1

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein)

November 9, 2026

Manchester United cannot afford to get this decision wrong

Manchester United appear to have come to the decision to fire Michael Carrick, with the only hold-up being a choice of replacement.

Work is underway on possible replacements for Carrick, with out of work Eddie Howe one contender, while US national boss Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as a strong contender.

This situation is unlike previous ones. Manchester United are 18th in the Premier League, entering the November international break in the relegation zone

Earlier today, United In Focus examined how clubs have recently been relegated with a higher points total than United currently have (eight points).

Considering the huge amount of money in plan, Manchester United cannot get this decision wrong, over Michael Carrick, or his potential replacement.

Ineos are already under fire from supporters, and the spotlight is also on the players. United have failed to win a Premier League game since August.

A woeful transfer window has been blamed for contributing to the situation, but results have sunk below the lowest bar imaginable.