Carrick thanks United fans and players in heartfelt statement after Pochettino appointment ends his reign

Michael Carrick bid an emotional farewell to Manchester United on Friday, releasing a statement on Instagram hours after the club confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as his successor at Old Trafford.

Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following a difficult start to the Premier League season that left United in the relegation zone with just one win from their opening ten games. Pochettino, who steps down from his role as United States national team manager, is set to officially begin work at the club next week.

In a lengthy and personal message, Carrick reflected on the honour of managing the club he represented as a player. “I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love,” he wrote. “There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.”

Carrick addressed the supporters directly, acknowledging their backing during a turbulent run of results. “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.”

He also paid tribute to his coaching staff and the players under his charge. “To my coaching staff — you gave me everything you had, every single day, and I couldn’t have asked for any more. I’m incredibly grateful for your loyalty, hard work and support throughout.”

Closing his message with a pledge of continued support for the club, Carrick wrote: “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.”

Pochettino now inherits a squad rooted near the bottom of the Premier League table and faces an immediate challenge to arrest the slide before the season slips further out of reach.