‘That love never dies’: Michael Carrick breaks silence after Man Utd sack

Michael Carrick had a message for Manchester United supporters after losing his job: “That love never dies.”

The former head coach thanked fans for standing by him through United’s poor run of results in a farewell statement on Friday, a day after his dismissal.

His message came as United confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as his successor, with the Argentine taking charge on 18 November.

‘The football club that I love’

Carrick, 45, posted the letter on Instagram. He opened by calling the job an immense privilege, and made it clear he understood what came with it.

“Dear United fans, I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love,” he wrote. “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.”

He described United as “a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored”, and said that was what inspired him every single day.

Michael Carrick’s message to the supporters

The warmest part of the letter was saved for the fans. Carrick did not hide from the results that cost him his job.

“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,” he wrote. “That means more than a win or two. That’s what makes you who you are.”

He called them “a special, rare breed”, and looked back on the better days of his time in charge.

“We’ve had some great times this year and moments we’ll all remember,” he said. “I just wanted to give you something back. That love never dies.”

Thanks to staff and players

Carrick also thanked his coaching staff for giving him “everything you had, every single day”, and the people behind the scenes whose work, he said, “goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated”.

To the players, he wished “all the very best for what’s ahead”. He signed off simply: “I want nothing but success for Manchester United.” You can read the full statement here.

How it ended for Carrick

Carrick was sacked on Thursday after United’s worst start to a season in 40 years. They are in the relegation zone with just one league win.

He first took charge on an interim basis last season and was handed the job permanently in May, but lasted only 15 games of his two-year deal.

You can read how Carrick’s sacking unfolded, and why many felt the club handled it badly, in our piece on Carrick’s treatment by Man Utd.

As a player, Carrick won five Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford. Few people understand what the club means better than he does, and his letter shows it.

Pochettino’s first game is a trip to Anfield on Sunday 22 November. You can follow the build-up on our Liverpool vs Man Utd match page, and for all the latest from the top flight, head to our Premier League hub.