Manchester United's owners, rather than Michael Carrick, are to blame for the club's continued problems, a fans' group has said.

United announced the sacking of Carrick as head coach on Thursday morning, making him the seventh full-time boss to be dismissed since Sir Alex Ferguson's 26-year reign ended in 2013.

Mauricio Pochettino has been lined up, sources have told ESPN, to replace Carrick who has been dismissed after a series of poor results left United in the Premier League relegation zone.

However, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) says the blame for the Red Devils' problems lies at the very top.

"Michael Carrick's departure marks another depressing moment for Manchester United," an MUST statement said.

"We thank him for his service and for restoring hope during the second half of last season. His standing among supporters remains undiminished.

"The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United's problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager.

"They lie with the ownership. The Glazers' debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When Ineos came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but.

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"It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability."

The statement went on to criticise the club's "aggressive" ticketing policies, adding: "Treating loyal fans principally as a source of revenue undermines their identity and the bond with the team that sustains support through difficult times.

"Supporters are being asked to pay the price for the owners' mismanagement as well as their stadium ambitions through higher charges and diminished rights."

Press Association contributed to this report.