Carrick pens emotional farewell letter to Manchester United fans after sacking

Abdullateef Fowewe

Michael Carrick has written an emotional open letter to Manchester United supporters following his dismissal as head coach on Thursday.

The club legend was sacked with United languishing in 18th place in the Premier League, having managed just one league win from their opening 10 games the club’s worst start to a top-flight season in 40 years.

The decision came after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford left the Red Devils in the relegation zone.

Carrick, who had been appointed on a permanent basis until 2028 after guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification as interim boss last season, expressed deep gratitude for his time in charge.

Carrick wrote, “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 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 is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored.
This is what inspired me every single day.”

He reserved special praise for the fans, saying, “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.”

Carrick also thanked his coaching staff, the club’s behind-the-scenes workers, and the players, before concluding, “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 expected to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s permanent successor.