Manchester United are expected to sack Michael Carrick just eight league games into the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The Red Devils will pull the trigger, according to Sky Sports reports, with succession planning beginning to ramp up.

It comes just hours after a 0-3 defeat at Old Trafford against AFC Bournemouth; United clearly feel that stopping the rot comes quickest with the current head coach, despite glaring issues elsewhere.

Club legend Gary Neville pointed out post-match that Jason Wilcox should not be in the role he is at Manchester United, ahead of the former Manchester City academy director leading a search for a new head coach once Carrick formally departs.

However, it will not stop the former footballer operating as usual, alongside Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada. INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the man with the power to halt those proceedings.

When asked if he expects to be sacked after defeat against Bournemouth, Carrick said, according to The Sun, “I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything, in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal.

“I love this place, I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club whatever decision is made on anything. I’m not expecting anything.”

“Just briefly they (Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox) came down like they always do after the game, but nothing out of the ordinary.”

Carrick did not reveal the substance of those conversations, keeping tight-lipped.

However, it feels fair to assume there may have been tension, with the pair now reportedly looking for a new head coach.

The match against Bournemouth may have been one of Michael Carrick’s last in charge at Manchester United.

The pressure has built to a point where something must change, and often that leaves the manager’s job at stake.