‘Now is the right time for me to leave the club’ -Carrick announces Man Utd departure after Arsenal win

Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick has left the club with immediate effect, following the Red Devils’ 3-2 win over Arsenal on Thursday night.

The former midfielder, who spent 12 years as a player at Old Trafford, joined Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff after retiring and was also part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team.

He took charge of the side following Solskjaer’s departure and oversaw three games, but Carrick has made the decision to leave the club with Ralf Ragnick set to take over as interim manager from Friday.

In an official statement United said: “Michael Carrick has decided to step down as First Team Coach and leave the club following the conclusion of his spell as caretaker Manager.”

John Murtough, Football Director, said: “Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach. While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael’s decision.

“He will always be known as one of the finest midfielders in the history of Manchester United, and, more recently, as an excellent coach who has worked tirelessly under two managers to help develop the strong squad which Ralf will now take charge of.

“We are grateful for the steady leadership Michael has shown through this period of managerial transition, and, while he is now stepping away from day-to-day involvement, he will always be welcome back as a legend of the club.”

Michael Carrick said: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.

“However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club. I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.

“I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible. I would like to wish Ralf, the staff, the players and the fans all the best for the future and I look forward to being in the stands and supporting the boys as a fan.”

“Michael played 464 games for Manchester United between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

“He joined the First Team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”