Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has strongly criticised the club's leadership over the handling of Michael Carrick's departure, describing the circumstances surrounding the manager's dismissal as disgusting and unprofessional.

According to a report by GOAL on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Neville expressed his disappointment after Manchester United officially announced Carrick's departure on Thursday morning following a disappointing run of results that left the club 18th in the Premier League standings.

The Red Devils have managed just one victory from their opening 10 league matches, recording their worst start to a domestic campaign in four decades. The poor results eventually led to Carrick losing his position as manager.

Neville had previously raised concerns about the way the club was handling Carrick's situation, but his frustration increased after the official announcement of the former midfielder's exit.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international reflected on Carrick's behaviour following the match against Bournemouth, suggesting that his reaction indicated he may already have been aware that his time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.

However, Neville was particularly unhappy with the club's failure to make a quick and decisive decision regarding the manager's future. He believed the hierarchy had allowed unnecessary uncertainty to develop by appearing divided over whether to dismiss Carrick immediately or give him another opportunity until the international break.

The former United captain also questioned the involvement of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada in the decision-making process.

Reports indicate that Ratcliffe attended an important INEOS meeting in Monaco, where senior officials discussed whether Carrick should remain in charge of the team.

Neville's frustration was further fuelled by reports that Manchester United had reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino on Wednesday, despite Carrick still carrying out his managerial responsibilities and overseeing training sessions at Carrington.

He questioned the club's decision to negotiate with a potential replacement while the existing manager was still performing his duties, describing the approach as disrespectful and inappropriate for an institution of Manchester United's stature.

The former defender also suggested that the treatment Carrick received could potentially amount to constructive dismissal if a similar situation occurred in another professional workplace.

Meanwhile, Pochettino is expected to arrive at Old Trafford next week after completing his remaining responsibilities as head coach of the United States national team.

The Argentine still has two important international fixtures to oversee against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals. The opening leg is scheduled to take place in Miami on Saturday, with the return fixture set for Cincinnati next Tuesday.

Neville's comments have added to the criticism surrounding Manchester United's handling of Carrick's departure, with questions continuing to emerge about the club's leadership and decision-making during a difficult period at Old Trafford.