Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho with Carrick expected to be named caretaker manager

MANCHESTER United have sacked their manager Jose Mourinho with immediate effect following his recent string of losses that have left the club sitting in sixth place some nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Following Manchester United's 1-3 loss to Liverpool over the weekend, the club only has 26 points from 17 matches compared with Liverpool's 45 points and Manchester City's 44 points. On Sunday, Liverpool beat Manchester United at Anfield, effectively ruling the Reds out of the title race, which has prompted the club to part ways with their manager.

A club spokesman said: “Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.

“A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager.”

Relations between Mourinho and Manchester United's executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, seemed to have become strained after the club did not sign a central defender in the summer. At the time, the club said that of the players targeted by Mourinho, none was an upgrade on the existing squad.

Following the start of the season, things have worsened with growing disunity at Old Trafford, as epitomised by the decision by Mourinho to drop vice captain Paul Pogba of late. Mourinho has criticised his players’ mental approach, attitude and quality and has described preparations for the season as very bad because many of his senior players were resting after the World Cup.

It is believed that Michael Carrick will take over as acting manager until the end of the season with a permanent appointment made in the summer. Carrick, 37 was appointed first-team coach by Mourinho after retiring as a player at the end of last season but he has no experience as a manager and United is certain to opt for a more experienced boss over the long term.