Michael Carrick steps down from role as Manchester United first-team coach with IMMEDIATE effect straight after guiding the club to victory over Arsenal in his last match as temporary manager
Michael Carrick has decided to leave Manchester United following his final game as temporary manager of the club.
The club confirmed the news in a statement on their official website, in the immediate aftermath of their 3-2 victory over Arsenal.
Carrick, who had held the role as first-team coach, was in temporary charge following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal last month and said he told the players he was leaving after the game had finished.
Michael Carrick has decided to leave Manchester United – 15 years after he joined as a player
With Ralf Rangnick appointed the new interim manager of the club until the end of the season, Carrick has decided to step down from his role.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after United’s victory he said: ‘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.
‘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.
The news broke on United’s official website immediately after their 3-2 victory over Arsenal
‘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.’
Carrick has 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.
Carrick’s departure comes just as Ralf Rangnick is set to start work as the new interim manager
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.
United endured a miserable start to the season which saw humiliating defeats to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Carrick has been in temporary charge since United sacked Solskjaer following their 4-1 defeat to Watford.
In his time in charge, United have won two games and drew one against league leaders Chelsea.
Carrick was expected to stay on with other members of Solskjaer’s staff including Kieran McKenna, under the helm of Rangnick.
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
So it comes somewhat as a surprise that the 40-year-old has decided to leave 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.’
