Former Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has addressed the club’s supporters following his dismissal, expressing gratitude for their backing during his time in charge.
Carrick released an open letter to United fans on Friday, barely 24 hours after the Premier League club confirmed his departure. His message came on the same day Manchester United announced Mauricio Pochettino as his successor.
The 45-year-old reflected on the privilege of managing a club he described as a major part of his life, acknowledging the responsibility and expectations that come with leading Manchester United.
Carrick said the club’s history, traditions, and established values made the managerial position different from any other, adding that those qualities inspired him throughout his time in the role.
He also reserved special appreciation for the supporters, describing them as a unique group whose loyalty remained evident even when results were not going their way.
According to the former manager, some of his most memorable experiences came from watching fans celebrate important moments and leave the stadium eager to return for the next match.
Carrick admitted that recent results had not been encouraging but said the continued support he received during that difficult period meant more to him than a couple of victories.
He also thanked his coaching team for their commitment, loyalty, and hard work while recognising the contributions of the club’s behind-the-scenes staff, whose efforts he said often go unnoticed.
The former midfielder extended his appreciation to the players, acknowledging their efforts and the experiences they shared during his tenure while wishing them success in the future.
Despite his departure, Carrick insisted that his emotional connection with Manchester United would remain unchanged, expressing his desire to see the club succeed under its new leadership.
He concluded by assuring supporters that he would continue following the team, this time from the stands.
FULL LETTER FROM MICHAEL CARRICK TO MANCHESTER UNITED FANS
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 from 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 can not 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.
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.
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