Michael Carrick has left Manchester United with immediate effect having stepped down as first team coach following his spell as caretaker manager.
Carrick’s third and final game as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s temporary successor ended with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, before interim manager Ralf Rangnick takes charge.
The 40-year-old has ended a long association with United which began in 2006 and saw him make 464 appearances, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League as a player among other honours.
Carrick joined Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff upon his retirement in 2018, then stayed on to serve under Solskjaer as an assistant coach before stepping in to take charge on a caretaker basis upon his departure last month.
The former England international won his first game in charge against Villarreal, securing United’s passage to the Champions League knockout stages, then earned a 1-1 draw away to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.
Thursday’s Premier League match proved his last with United, who announced he had stepped down as first-team coach ahead of interim manager Ralf Rangnicktaking charge.
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.
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“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.”
Carrick played 464 times for United during his medal-laden playing career with the club.
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.
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“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.”
Photo Credit: Getty
