Michael Carrick has delivered an emotional farewell to Manchester United supporters following his departure as the club’s men’s first team head coach, thanking fans for their loyalty and reflecting on the privilege of leading the club he loves.
Carrick’s message comes a day after United confirmed his departure, bringing an end to his latest spell at Old Trafford following a difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. The club acknowledged his contribution, particularly his work in guiding the team to third place in the previous season.
But while the dismissal marked the end of his time in the dugout, Carrick’s message made clear that his emotional connection with United remains unchanged.
“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. With that comes huge responsibility, and to be at Manchester United, you need to understand exactly what that means. It’s different to anywhere else.
“Ultimately, you need to push to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviours that you have to live by and respect, which have been built over a long period of time.
“It’s a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored. This is what inspired me every single day.”
Carrick’s special message to the supporters
The former United midfielder reserved particular praise for the supporters, describing them as a special group whose loyalty meant more to him than the results achieved 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.
“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.
“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.”
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Carrick also acknowledged the people who worked alongside him, thanking his coaching staff for their commitment and the club’s wider employees for the work they carry out away from the public eye.
“A special thank you 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.
“To all the staff behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do for this football club. So much of your work goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated.”
A final message to the players and the club he loves
The 45-year-old also addressed the players, wishing them well as United prepare for another managerial transition.
“And to the players, thank you for your efforts and the moments we’ve shared. I wish you all the very best for what’s ahead.”
Carrick ended his message by reaffirming his affection for United and promising to remain a supporter despite no longer being involved in the first-team dugout.
“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.”
Carrick returned to United in January 2026 and made an immediate impact, winning 12 of his 17 Premier League matches as the club secured third place and Champions League qualification. United said his team collected the highest points tally in the league during that period.
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However, results deteriorated at the beginning of the new campaign, and the club’s hierarchy decided a change was necessary.
His departure has also prompted criticism from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, which argued that responsibility for the club’s wider problems should not rest primarily with Carrick or his managerial predecessors.
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