ไทย
English
中國人
Michael Carrick has released his first public statement since being sacked as Manchester United manager, taking to social media to share a heartfelt message to the club and its fanbase.
The 45-year-old was finally shown the door on Thursday following a dreadful start to the campaign that has left the Red Devils sitting 18th in the Premier League table, with just a single win from 10 games played.
The extraordinary 4–4 stalemate against Aston Villa proved to be the last straw for Carrick, with United's leadership using the November international break to part ways with their former midfielder and bring in U.S. men's national team boss Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement.
Despite the bitter circumstances surrounding his exit, Carrick said he is "incredibly grateful" for the chance to manage the club he holds dear, and expressed his appreciation to the staff, players, and supporters for their dedication.
Michael Carrick's Statement in Full
"I've had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love," Carrick wrote on Instagram. "There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I'm incredibly grateful.
"With that comes enormous responsibility, and to be at Manchester United, you need to fully understand what that means. It's unlike anywhere else.
"Ultimately, you need to strive to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviors that you must live by and respect, which have been established over a long period of time. It's a football club that is truly one of a kind, with a depth and history that cannot be overlooked. This is what drove me every single day.
"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.
"We've shared some wonderful times this year and moments we'll all carry with us. The greatest thing about being in my position was witnessing so many of you lose yourselves in the emotion of those moments, leaving the ground desperate to return again next time.
"I just wanted to give something back to you. That love never fades.
"I know the results haven't gone our way recently, but you've shown me nothing but love and support during times when the easiest thing — and what most people end up doing — would be to look 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 absolutely everything you had, every single day, and I couldn't have asked for more. I'm incredibly grateful for your loyalty, hard work and support throughout. To all the staff working behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do for this football club. So much of your work goes unnoticed, but it is never unappreciated.
"And to the players, thank you for your efforts and the moments we've shared together. I wish you all the very best for what lies ahead.
"I want nothing but success for Manchester United. This club has been such a significant 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 here on out, watching from the sidelines, cheering the lads on."
"Simply Disgusting"—Gary Neville Lambasts Man Utd
Support for Carrick has come from an expected source, as his former United and England teammate Gary Neville unleashed a scathing attack condemning the manner in which the club handled his dismissal.
Despite reports of his impending exit surfacing on Monday, Carrick wasn't officially dismissed until three days later, and was even required to take first-team training on Tuesday and Wednesday while awaiting his fate. Ultimately, club CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox delivered the news to Carrick in person, following discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.
"In the last 24–48 hours, it's been spectacularly bad to be in Monaco as an executive and an owner whilst your manager, who's a club legend, is taking training on the pitch and simultaneously approaching the U.S. Soccer Federation to approach Mauricio Pochettino," Neville fumed on Sky Sports News.
"It's quite simply disgusting. That falls well below the standard you would expect in any other business, in any other industry. It would be constructive dismissal and you'd be getting sued.
"The optics of being in Monaco while the team, the staff, and the people running the club on a day-to-day basis are in Manchester — it's just not good and it reflects poorly on the leadership. I don't think anyone comes out of this looking good at all."
Carrick orchestrated United's revival and Champions League qualification as interim manager with his back-to-basics philosophy last season, relying heavily on positive energy and straightforward instructions to reinvigorate a squad that had been worn down by the tactical demands of Ruben Amorim's system.
However, with just three wins from 15 matches this season and United languishing in the relegation zone, parting ways with Carrick was ultimately unavoidable — even if the manner in which it was handled left much to be desired.