LONDON (AFP)
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".