Jose Mourinho has been sacked as Manchester United manager in a face to face meeting Sky News understands.

Sky sources say he was dismissed at the club's Carrington training ground by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Tuesday.

The club said he had left with immediate effect, adding they "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 searches for a new full-time manager.

Manchester United has announced that Jose Mourinho has left the Club.



We would like to thank him for his work during his time at Manchester United and wish him success in the future. #MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 18, 2018

Sky Sports News understands Manchester United coach Michael Carrick will take charge for the next 48 hours, after which an external appointment will be made for the caretaker manager post.


Manchester United have made their worst start to a league season since 1990-91 and sit sixth in the Premier League.

Mourinho's side lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Sunday, as two deflected Xherdan Shaqiri strikes ensured the Reds remained top of the table.

Image: Mourinho on the bench on Sunday, with Michael Carrick (L)

The result left United 11 points off the top four and 19 points behind Liverpool.

The Portuguese, 55, was in charge at Old Trafford for two-and-a-half years and won the EFL Cup and Europa League in his first full season.

Despite this, he rarely appeared settled and lived in a city centre hotel throughout his tenure.

Image: Mourinho celebrates winning the EFL Cup in 2017

The team, which is expected to at least challenge for the league title every season, finished second last season but were 19 points behind rivals Manchester City.

In January, Mourinho signed a new two-year contract committing him to the club until 2020, but over the summer his relationship with the United board began to disintegrate.

Despite being allowed to spend more than £300m on players up to that point, he complained about not being backed in the transfer market.

He had wanted at least one new centre-back but did not get one, with the club signing £50m midfielder Fred, Porto youngster Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant as a backup goalkeeper.

Former United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said the writing was on the wall over the summer after the board "failed to back him over a couple of signings".

"At that point you're finished as a manager," he added.

Mourinho's failure to get the best out of record signing Paul Pogba began to affect the rest of the squad as United started this season with a run of two defeats in the first three matches.

Little wonder Paul Pogba deleted this. No excuses for him now... pic.twitter.com/z6zUBCaQYK — Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) December 18, 2018

Mourinho reportedly called the World Cup winner a "virus" after the side's 2-2 draw with Southampton earlier this month, while he has also publicly criticised several other players including Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.

Midfielder Pogba posted a picture of himself soon after Mourinho's sacking, with a half smile on his face and the message: "Caption this".

The post was quickly deleted.

Several leading football voices criticised Mourinho's time in charge, with Gary Lineker and Michael Owen saying his departure was "inevitable".

'Bye guys': Mourinho leaves hotel after sacking (Warning: Flash photography)

Former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand said it was time for "fresh ideas" while ex-striker Louis Saha said he thought Mourinho did not "communicate correctly" with players.

Despite the criticism, the players hailed his achievements along with a string of others, including Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, who said his now former rival was "an outstanding manager".

Among those being tipped for the top job is Mauricio Pochettino - but the Tottenham boss played down the suggestion.

He told reporters: "I cannot answer this type of question. These type of rumours happen in this business, in football.

"A lot of rumours happen, but it is not my business what happened at another club. I am so focused in trying to deliver my best job at this football club.

"I want to send my best wishes to him [Mourinho]. I feel so sorry, because I know him very well, I have a very good relationship with him. He is a very good friend. It is sad news what happened today."