Michael Carrick has released his first public statement on his Manchester United sacking, calling the job an ‘immense privilege’ in a classy 411-word tribute to the club’s supporters.
The statement, released a little over 24 hours after his dismissal was confirmed, read: ‘Dear United Fans, I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love.
‘There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
‘With that comes huge responsibility, and to be at Manchester United, you need to understand exactly what that means. It’s different to anywhere else.
‘Ultimately, you need to push to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviours that you have to live by and respect, which have been built over a long period of time.
‘It’s a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored. This is what inspired me every single day. I want to say a big thank you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.
Michael Carrick has broken his silence on his sacking by Manchester United
‘We’ve had some great times this year and moments we’ll all remember. The best thing about being in my position was seeing so many of you lose yourselves in the emotion of those moments, leaving the stadium desperate to come back again next time.
‘I just wanted to give you something back. That love never dies. I know we’ve not had the results lately, but you’ve shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way.
‘That means more than a win or two. That’s what makes you who you are. That’s why I fell in love with this club all those years ago.
‘A special thank you to my coaching staff. You gave me everything you had, every single day, and I couldn’t have asked for any more. I’m incredibly grateful for your loyalty, hard work and support throughout.
‘To all the staff behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do for this football club. So much of your work goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated.
‘And to the players, thank you for your efforts and the moments we’ve shared. I wish you all the very best for what’s ahead.
‘I want nothing but success for Manchester United. This club has been such a big part of my life and that will never change. I’ll always be proud to have played my part and I’ll always want the very best for it.
‘I’ll be right there with you from now on, watching from the sidelines, cheering the lads on. Michael.’
Less than an hour prior to Carrick’s statement United confirmed his replacement, Mauricio Pochettino, will take the reins after agreeing a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford.
United have agreed to pay more than £10million to buy Pochettino and his backroom staff out of their contracts with the US Soccer Federation.
United have agreed to pay more than £10million to buy Pochettino and his backroom staff out of their contracts with the US Soccer Federation
The 54-year-old Argentine will take charge of the USA’s CONCACAF Nations League double-header against Haiti in Miami on Saturday and Cincinnati on Wednesday before beginning his new job as United boss on Wednesday.
His first game will be against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Sunday.
Pochettino is due to give a pre-match press conference at 2.15pm on Friday, but is not expected to speak about United until he arrives next week due to his remaining contracted to US Soccer.
A statement from the club read: ‘Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November.
‘The club has reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US men’s national team.
‘The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.
‘Pochettino has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues. He began his coaching career with Espanyol in 2009 before joining Southampton and achieving a club-record Premier League points tally in 2014.
‘During five full seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino established the club as regular UEFA Champions League contenders, securing qualification in four consecutive seasons and leading the club to its first final in the competition in 2019.
‘In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions before joining Chelsea in 2023. Most recently he led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.’
