Manchester United news: Michael Carrick steps down as first-team coach

Carrick’s final game in-charge of Manchester United saw the team defeat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday night.

File photo - Michael Carrick during a training session; Credit: Twitter@ManUtd
By Karthik Raman | Dec 3, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In a surprising turn of events, Michael Carrick has decided to step down as first team coach and leave the club following the conclusion of his spell as caretaker manager. The former United midfielder was given the caretaker responsibility after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left the club recently. A heavy 4-1 defeat against Watford ended Ole’s reign at the club. Since then Carrick has had a positive influence on the team, with notable results. With Carrick at the helm, United won a crucial away match against Villarreal in the Champions League last midweek before getting a valuable point at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in the Premier League. His final game in-charge of United saw the team defeat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

John Murtough, football director, was quoted as saying by the club’s website: “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.”

Carrick: Now is the right time for me to leave the club

Carrick has played 464 games for Manchester United between 2006 and 2018. He has had immense success under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign and also bagged some trophies under other managers. He won five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Michael Carrick said: “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.”

The former English midfielder joined the first team coaching staff when he retired in 2018. Carrick served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. “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,” his statement concluded.





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