Michael Carrick issues first statement after Man Utd sacking

Michael Carrick says he ‘wanted to give something back’ to Manchester United (Shutterstock)

Michael Carrick has thanked Manchester United’s players and supporters following his sacking and insists he wants ‘nothing but success’ for the club.

Carrick was sacked by United on Thursday, while Mauricio Pochettino was officially announced as his replacement on Friday afternoon.

The 45-year-old returned to United in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure and joined on an interim deal until the end of last season.

Carrick was then rewarded with a two-year contract in May following United’s impressive end to the Premier League campaign, with no club in the top flight securing more points than the 36 United collected following Carrick’s arrival.

However, United have made a poor start to this season, registering just one win in 10 Premier League games – a run of results which has left the team 18th in the table.

Carrick retained the backing from United’s supporters, who have heavily booed the players during their dismal run of form, but the club’s hierarchy have opted to make a change by bringing in Pochettino.

Michael Carrick retained the backing of Manchester United’s supporters during the team’s slump (Getty)

In his statement which was released on Friday, Carrick wrote: ‘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.

‘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.