Michael Carrick set for ‘major payout’ after Man United sacking

Michael Carrick was fired by Man United on Thursday.

The former Red Devils midfielder departed the club following a meeting at Carrington on Thursday, and Mauricio Pochettino is now waiting in the wings to take charge.

Although Carrick will be disappointed to have lost his job, at arguably the biggest club in world football, he appears set to be rewarded with some form of financial compensation.

As revealed by James Ducker, since 2013, Man United have paid £108.2 million to hire and re-hire managers and club figures, with the £7.4 million owed to USMNT for Pochettino included in that figure.

For Carrick, Ducker writes: "Compensation payments to Carrick and his backroom team, which alone are estimated to cost at least £5m.”

As such, it appears that the fee set to be received by the Englishman will be around £5 million, to be shared amongst himself and his backroom staff.

How much Man United have paid for hiring/firing managers and sporting directors since 2013:

Detailed in Ducker's report was the following breakdown of compensation fees.

• 2013: Ferguson staff not wanted by Moyes, £2.4m
• 2014: Moyes & staff, £4.9m
• 2016: Van Gaal & staff £8.4m
• 2018: Mourinho & staff £19.6m
• 2021: Solskjaer & staff £9.1m
• 2022: Rangnick & staff plus other football changes £14.7m
• 2024: Ten Hag & staff £10.4m
• 2024: Hiring Ashworth £3m
• 2024: Hiring Amorim £11m
• 2024: Firing Ashworth £4.1m
• 2026: Firing Amorim & staff £8.2m
• 2026: Carrick & staff £5m*
• 2026: Hiring Pochettino before additional staff costs £7.4m*

Manchester United issue statement after firing Michael Carrick:

"Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.

"Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

"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.

"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. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.

"The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."