Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho after Sunday's defeat to Liverpool left them 19 points from the top of the Premier League. The club made the decision to end the Portuguese, 55, tenure amid growing discontent over his playing style and the atmosphere behind the scenes at Old Trafford. "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect," a club statement said. "The club would like to thank Jose 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."

Michael Carrick is due to take training, but United plan to name a caretaker manager by the end of the week to see out the season, with a permanent appointment to follow in the summer. Mourinho joined United in May 2016 and guided them to success in the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League in his first season. But he was unable to deliver success in the EPL, with United finishing sixth in 2017, and second in 2018.