Manchester United have dismissed Michael Carrick as head coach following a difficult opening to the Premier League season that has left the club in the relegation zone.

The club announced his departure on Thursday, after securing just eight points from their first 10 league fixtures and managing only three wins across all competitions, Vanguard reported.

Carrick, a former Manchester United midfielder, guided the team to a third-place finish last season. However, results have taken a downturn this campaign, with Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa marking his final game in charge.

In a statement confirming the decision, United said the club had concluded that a managerial change was necessary following its disappointing start to the season.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the vacant position, although his appointment has not been officially confirmed. The current United States national team coach previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United’s next fixture is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, as the club prepares for its first match following Carrick’s departure.