From Champions League finish to drop zone: How Carrick's reign unravelled

Carrick sacked after Manchester United's worst Premier League start in 40 years left them in the relegation zone; Pochettino to replace him.

Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach following a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa that left the club in the Premier League relegation zone. The former midfielder's reign unravelled dramatically after an impressive start: he guided United from seventh to third place and Champions League qualification last season, earning a Manager of the Year nomination.

This season, however, United have won just once in 10 Premier League games and sit in the drop zone after their worst start to a season in 40 years.

Carrick's initial impact was transformative. After taking over on a temporary basis in January, he ditched the back three system and moved Bruno Fernandes back to his favoured No 10 role, unlocking the midfielder's creativity—Fernandes' open-play creativity rose 81 per cent and he broke the Premier League assists record.

Between January and May, United accumulated 39 points, more than champions Arsenal over the same period.

The summer proved costly. Despite spending £163m, the club invested solely in midfield, signing Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba (who arrived injured). The lack of investment in defence and a proper striker—Benjamin Sesko has been injured—has been punished. Tielemans revealed there was no focus on fitness work during pre-season, and the side's sluggish displays have raised conditioning questions.