Carrick pens emotional farewell note to Manchester United fans after sacking

Michael Carrick has sent an emotional message to Manchester United supporters, thanking them for standing by him despite the club's struggles and insisting their love and backing meant more to him than "a win or two".Manchester United manager Michael Carrick gets hero's send-off at Old Trafford. (Reuters Photo)New Delhi,Nov 13, 2026 18:38 ISTMichael Carrick has thanked Manchester United supporters for standing by him through difficult times, saying their love and backing meant more to him than "a win or two" in his first message since being sacked by the club.The 45-year-old took to Instagram on Friday, a day after United ended his six-month spell as head coach. The former midfielder had replaced Ruben Amorim in May but could not turn around the club's fortunes.United slipped to 18th in the Premier League table after winning just one of their opening 10 matches, drawing five and losing four. It was their worst-ever start to a league season.Carrick's final days in charge included a 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League and a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. However, the results did little to change the club's decision. In his message, Carrick spoke about the privilege of managing a club he has loved for years and the responsibility that came with the job."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," he wrote.He then turned his attention to the supporters, singling them out for their loyalty during his time in charge."I want to say a big thank you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed," he wrote."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."Carrick did not shy away from the team's struggles but said the backing he received despite the disappointing results had left a lasting impression."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," he added.The former England international also paid tribute to his coaching staff, thanking them for their loyalty and commitment. He acknowledged the work of United's backroom employees before wishing the players well for the future.Carrick ended his message by making it clear that he would remain a United supporter, even from the stands."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," he wrote.POCHETTINO TAKES CHARGE AT MANCHESTER UNITEDUnited have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick's successor, handing the Argentine a contract until the summer of 2029.The 54-year-old will begin work on Wednesday after completing his commitments with the United States national team. He is expected to meet the players and oversee his first training session on Thursday.Pochettino's first match will be a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, November 22.Announcing the appointment, United pointed to his high-intensity attacking football, ability to build cohesive teams and record of developing players.The former Tottenham Hotspur manager returns to England after spells with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. He guided Tottenham to the League Cup and Champions League finals but is yet to win a major trophy in English football. His time at PSG brought Ligue 1 and French Cup honours.His immediate challenge will be to lift United away from the relegation zone and restore some stability to a troubled campaign.- Ends