The club confirmed Carrick's departure on Thursday, 12 November, bringing an end to his tenure after a difficult run of results left United in the Premier League relegation zone.
In a statement, Manchester United said a change was necessary after a disappointing start to the season, while describing Carrick as a club legend and praising his dedication and professionalism.
The former England midfielder leaves with United sitting 18th in the Premier League table, having collected just eight points from their opening 10 matches.
Poor results cost Carrick his job
Carrick's position had come under increasing pressure following a series of disappointing performances in domestic and European competitions.
United's struggles included a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, a 2-0 loss against Chelsea and a damaging 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Although they recorded a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma, their subsequent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa was not enough to save the manager's position.
Carrick managed just one Premier League victory in his first 10 league matches of the campaign, with the club's hierarchy eventually deciding that a change was required.
His dismissal comes only months after he was rewarded with a permanent contract following an impressive interim spell.
Pochettino favourite to take over
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as Manchester United's leading candidate to replace Carrick.
The Argentine, who currently manages the United States national team, reportedly has a framework agreement with United over a possible move to Old Trafford.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Chelsea manager is understood to be interested in returning to the Premier League.
However, United will need to negotiate his release from his contract with the United States Soccer Federation, which runs until 2030. Reports put his release clause at approximately £7.5 million.
Pochettino is also expected to remain involved with the United States for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Haiti.
Carrick's second spell ends in disappointment
Carrick initially took charge of Manchester United in January 2026 following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
He made an immediate impact, winning his first two matches against Manchester City and Arsenal. His impressive interim spell helped United finish third in the Premier League and secure Champions League qualification.
Those performances earned him the permanent position, but the team's poor start to the new campaign ultimately brought his tenure to an abrupt end.
Manchester United will now look to appoint a successor before returning to action against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.
For Carrick, the dismissal marks a disappointing end to a managerial spell that began with considerable promise.