Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho

Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho, after two and a half years in charge at Old Trafford, the club announced on Tuesday. 

The 55-year-old Portuguese who was appointed in May 2016, won the League Cup and Europa League in his first season in charge, but leaves the club after a dismal start to the season culminating in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.

Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect, a statement read.

We would like to thank him for his work during his time at Manchester United and 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.

Mourinho, who took over from Louis van Gaal in May 2016 has been the subject of intense scrutiny this season - and the club's worst start to a season in 28 years was confirmed with defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.

Michael Carrick, who joined the club's coaching staff last summer following his retirement, will assume the role of interim manager.

The 37-year-old former England international will be assisted by Kieran McKenna until the club can appoint an external caretaker manager, a process that is expected to be completed within 48 hours.

In January this year United handed Mourinho a contract extension until 2020 but currently sit sixth in the table, some 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool, and 11 points off Chelsea in fourth position - their haul of 26 points from 17 games represents the club's worst start to a season since 1990-91.