Michael Carrick penned an emotional farewell to the Manchester United fans following his sacking, saying it was "an immense privilege" to lead "the football club that I love".

Carrick was sacked as United's head coach on Thursday following a dismal start to the 2026-27 season, which sees the club sitting in the relegation zone for the November international break.

The former United midfielder initially took charge on an interim basis back in January, leading the club to Champions League football with a third-place finish in the Premier League.

He was handed the permanent job back in May, but this season oversaw just one league win across the first 10 matches, leaving them 18th.

United have moved quickly to appoint his successor, bringing in Mauricio Pochettino on Friday, with Carrick addressing the United fans on Instagram shortly after that announcement had been made.

"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's 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.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Michael Carrick (@carras16)

"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."

United are sitting in their lowest position 10 games into a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they were 20th.

They have also gone eight Premier League games without a win for just the second time, also doing so in April/May 2025.

United have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their first 10 league games in a season for the first time since 1986-87, while they are the first side to finish in the top three of the top flight and then keep no clean sheets in their first 10 games of the next season since Liverpool in 1966-67.