Michael Carrick has stepped down from his position at Manchester United after guiding them to a victory over Arsenal.
The former United midfielder has been in caretaker charge since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking just last month.
He successfully led United to a win over Villarreal before picking up a draw against Chelsea and a 3-2 win over Arsenal on Thursday evening.
Having served as First Team Coach under Solskjaer, and previously Jose Mourinho, many felt he would be staying on to work under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
But the 40-year-old coach says he now feels it’s the right time for him to step away from his duties. 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.’
Speaking to Amazon Prime he added: ‘It’s not been an easy decision to make but I feel it’s the right one. I was going to take time off after I finished playing and it never happened. It feels like the right time to step away and what a way to finish.
‘It’s 100% my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf [Rangnick] and I’m quite happy with that.’
John Murtough, the club’s Football Director placed on record his thanks to Carrick for his service.
He 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.’
