Michael Carrick has bowed out as Manchester United first-team coach and will vacate the club following the ending of his period as caretaker manager.
His judgement to walk away ahead of temporary boss Ralf Rangnick’s advent was declared just minutes after he commanded Thursday night’s 3-2 PL triumph over Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Carrick, who played 464 games for Red Devils between 2006 and 2018 and earned five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and the Club World Cup, supplied on the staff under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He stated: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.”
“However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club.”
“I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.”
“I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible. I would like to wish Ralf, the staff, the players and the fans all the best for the future and I look forward to being in the stands and supporting the boys as a fan.”
Manchester United football director John Murtough appended: “Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach. While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael’s decision.”
“He will always be known as one of the finest midfielders in the history of Manchester United, and, more recently, as an excellent coach who has worked tirelessly under two managers to help develop the strong squad which Ralf will now take charge of.”
“We are grateful for the steady leadership Michael has shown through this period of managerial transition, and, while he is now stepping away from day-to-day involvement, he will always be welcome back as a legend of the club.”
