Two Sunderland rivals confirm head coach exits amid mounting Premier League relegation fears
Manchester United and Crystal Palace have both confirmed managerial departures.
Sunderland’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Crystal Palace have both parted company with their respective head coaches amid mounting fears over a potential relegation battle.
Heading into the second international break of the season, the Red Devils and the Eagles are languishing in the top flight relegation zone alongside the Black Cats, and as such, have wielded the axe in a bid to transform their fortunes for the better.
In United’s case, they have taken the decision to oust Michael Carrick from the dugout. Despite leading his side to a third-placed finish in the Premier League last season having initially taken over in January, the 45-year-old has been unable to replicate that stellar form in recent weeks, winning just one of his opening 10 matches this term.
An excerpt from a statement confirming his departure reads: “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 widespread expectation is that United will move to appoint former Tottenham Hotspur head coach - and current USA national team boss - Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s replacement in the near future.
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For Palace’s part, they have confirmed the exit of French head coach Pierre Sage. The 47-year-old oversaw just 16 matches across all competitions during a brief tenure at Selhurst Park having taken over from Oliver Glasner this summer.
As things stand, the Eagles have won just two of their opening 10 games in the Premier League, and also boast the worst defensive record in the top flight, conceding 24 goals. In the Europa League, they have won just one of their four outings thus far.
Reports suggest that Palace are now in advanced talks to appoint former Brentford and Spurs head coach Thomas Frank. If Frank is appointed, he would likely be in the dugout for Sunderland’s trip to South London to face Palace in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on December 16th. The Black Cats then host the Eagles at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League four days later.