Michael Carrick has thanked Manchester United supporters after being sacked as head coach, describing it as “an immense privilege” to lead “the football club that I love”.
Carrick’s dismissal came on Thursday after United’s poor start to the 2026-27 season left them 18th in the Premier League and in the relegation zone at the November international break.
The former United midfielder first took charge on an interim basis in January and guided the club to Champions League qualification with a third-place Premier League finish. He was appointed permanently in May, but United won only one of their opening 10 league matches under him this season.
United moved quickly to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his successor on Friday. Carrick published his message to supporters on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
“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.
“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 in their lowest position after 10 games of a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they were 20th.
They have also gone eight Premier League matches without a win for only the second time, having previously endured the same run in April and May 2025.
For the first time since 1986-87, United have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their opening 10 league matches. They are also the first team to finish in the top three of the top flight and then record no clean sheets in their first 10 games of the following season since Liverpool in 1966-67.
