Alan Shearer praises Michael Carrick as he exits Manchester United

Alan Shearer has praised Michael Carrick for leaving Manchester United following the end of his tenure as the club’s temporary manager.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge of United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal last month. During his three games in charge, he guided the Red Devils to a 2-0 Champions League win at Villarreal, a 1-1 draw at Chelsea and a 3-2 victory over Arsenal. 

However, Carrick announced his decision to leave the club just moments after United’s victory over Arsenal as he believes it is the ‘right thing’ to do ahead of Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.  

Alan Shearer has praised Michael Carrick (above) for leaving Manchester United following the end of his tenure as the club’s temporary manager 

Ralf Rangnick was appointed the new interim manager of the club until the end of the season and will take charge of his first official game against Crystal Palace on December 5.    

Speaking to Amazon Prime after United’s victory over Arsenal, Carrick announced his departure by saying: ‘It’s not been an easy decision to make but I feel it’s the right one. 

‘I was going to take time off after I finished playing and it never happened. It feels like the right time to step away and what a way to finish.

Carrick was placed in temporary charge following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's dismissal last month. Carrick guided them to a win at Villarreal, a draw at Chelsea and victory over Arsenal

Carrick was placed in temporary charge following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘s dismissal last month. Carrick guided them to a win at Villarreal, a draw at Chelsea and victory over Arsenal

However, Carrick announced his decision to leave after United's victory over Arsenal (above)

However, Carrick announced his decision to leave after United’s victory over Arsenal (above)

‘It’s 100% my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf [Rangnick] and I’m quite happy with that. 

‘We were in a situation where there was a responsibility to see these games through. The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor but there were a lot of things that came into my decision.

‘I’ve had great times, great memories and I’m proud of the players over the past three games.

‘I just told them and they were a bit shocked and surprised, a bit emotional in the changing room. I held it together just about. It’s not been easy to keep it away from people but I had a job to do.’  

Reflecting on Carrick’s announcement, Shearer said: ‘Fair play to him because there will be people who have said he was part of Ole’s coaching staff. 

‘But being an assistant you can only give your opinion on ‘no I think we should play five at the back’ the manager says ‘no i want to play four at the back’. 

He watched from the directors' box as his new team beat Arsenal on Thursday night

He said it was the ‘right thing’ to do ahead of Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at Manchester United

Shearer said that Carrick did a 'fantastic' job at Manchester United and said he is a 'great guy'

Shearer said that Carrick did a ‘fantastic’ job at Manchester United and said he is a ‘great guy’ 

‘That’s fine but you then have to back your manager up and say okay keep it in house not let the players know in terms of him giving an opinion. 

‘Then he has to back the manager up in everything he says and does. He might not have agreed with what Ole was doing but he has to back him up. 

‘So he might think Ole has had to take a lot of the flack, fairly, unfairly and he might think it’s right to walk away. 

‘But what a fantastic job and what a great guy he is. In the three games he’s had he’s set the team up perfectly and they responded in a very good way.’

Shearer went on to say he believed the decision was down to Carrick. He said: ‘I think because it’s his decision he doesn’t leave with a financial package. 

‘If it was other way around “we no longer want you we’re sacking you” that’s different. But it’s his decision, he’s walking away from his contract. Didn’t he sign a new one in the summer?

Thierry Henry (right) and Patrice Evra (left) believe Carrick left the club before he was forced out the door by Rangnick

Thierry Henry (right) and Patrice Evra (left) believe Carrick left the club before he was forced out the door by Rangnick

‘He leaves quietly but on the back of doing so many good things at this football club. It won’t be the last you see of him whether it’s a coaching capacity, manager capacity at another club.’ 

Meanwhile, fellow pundit Thierry Henry, said that Carrick left the club before he was forced out the door by Rangnick.  

Henry said: ‘I’m also shocked and surprised but you need to know when you bring in someone new then he might bring people with him. 

‘I’m not saying that’s right or wrong but when you employ someone who might want to work with people he’s used to working with so I can understand on that side of the argument.’

Patrice Evra added: ‘I agree with Thierry [Henry] where he leaves the club before they kick me out. 

‘Because if they don’t even speak with the new manager it’s a strong sign we don’t want you here anymore. I respect his decision, gets to spend time with his family.’  

Carrick joined United in 2006 and won five Premier League titles at the club as a player

Carrick joined United in 2006 and won five Premier League titles at the club as a player

Carrick has been working on the coaching staff at Old Trafford ever since his retirement in 2018

Carrick has been working on the coaching staff at Old Trafford ever since his retirement in 2018

Carrick had been with the club since his arrival from Tottenham as a player back in 2006.

As a member of the playing squad, he played 464 games, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup among other pieces of silverware. 

Following his retirement in 2018, he joined the first team coaching staff at Old Trafford originally under Jose Mourinho.

He was kept on when Solskjaer was appointed as interim, then permanent manager of Manchester United.

Carrick was then given his own shot in the hot-seat when United sacked Solskjaer following their 4-1 defeat to Watford.

During his time in charge, he guided United back to seventh in the table with one Premier League win and one Premier League draw.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to keep Carrick at the club.   

Football Director, John Murtough said in United’s official statement: ‘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.’ 

Former and current Manchester United players have taken to Twitter to thank Carrick and praise him for his achievements with the club. 

United players took to social media to heap praise on their former team-mate and coach

Rio Ferdinand wrote: ‘Always a class act as a player and continued that as interim manager. Whatever you choose to do next I wish you the best @carras16.’

Jesse Lingard added: ‘Pleasure playing with you @carras16 made some great memories. Best of luck in the future legend.’

While Bruno Fernandes said: Really happy to celebrate my 100th appearance for this club with a win and with our fans. Hopefully, many more games to come. Also wanted to say thank you to Michael Carrick, a great Manchester United legend.’    

Manchester United’s captain Harry Maguire also wrote: ‘That one was for you @carras16. Thanks for everything legend.’

Before Scott McTominay penned the following; ‘It’s hard to put into words how much you have helped me. What a footballer & what an amazing man off the pitch. That win tonight was for you Carras. Wishing you the very best – LEGEND.’