Michael Carrick has spoken publicly for the first time since being removed as Manchester United manager, using social media to deliver a measured and emotional farewell to the club and its supporters.

His departure came after the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, a result that proved decisive as the club used the November international break to make a change and appoint Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. men’s national team manager, in his place.

Carrick’s statement was notable for its warmth and for the emphasis he placed on what Manchester United means to those inside it. He wrote that he was “incredibly grateful” for the chance to lead the side he loves, while also paying tribute to the staff, players and fans who supported him during his time in charge.

“I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love,” Carrick wrote on Instagram . “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 behaviors 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Support for Carrick also arrived from Gary Neville, who criticised the way the club handled the dismissal. Reports of Carrick’s exit had already emerged on Monday, yet he was not formally removed for another three days and still took first-team training on Tuesday and Wednesday while waiting for confirmation. The process ended with CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox telling him face-to-face after discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.

“It’s just quite simply disgusting. That falls well below the standard of what you would expect in any other business, in any other industry. It would be constructive dismissal and you’d be getting sued.

“The optics of being in Monaco whilst the team, the staff, the people who are running the club on a day-to-day basis are in Manchester, it’s just not good and it reflects badly on the leadership. I don’t think anybody comes out of this well at all.”

Michael Carrick’s brief spell as Manchester United manager is over, with Mauricio Pochettino taking charge after 10 months in the job.

The Argentine arrives from his role as USMNT manager and faces a daunting assignment at one of European football’s most troubled clubs. United are at a historic low, with relegation a real concern and several off-field problems still hanging over the side.

Pochettino’s reputation has taken a hit after an underwhelming Chelsea spell and a mixed period in the United States, so he will begin with questions to answer. Even so, there is still hope that the coach who guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final can restore structure, intensity and attacking purpose.

If he is given influence over recruitment in the months ahead, United’s shape could look very different. In goal, Senne Lammens remains the current choice despite a dip in form from last season, with other areas judged more urgent.

At right-back, Alex Freeman stands out as a possible fit. The 22-year-old Villarreal player is described as a dynamic worker with strong recovery pace and the physical edge to cope with the Premier League. Central defence could feature Nathan Collins alongside Lisandro Martínez, with Collins viewed as a strong candidate if Brentford can be persuaded to sell, while Martínez may benefit from the arrival of a fellow Argentine.

On the left, Alejandro Balde offers the sort of attacking threat Pochettino tends to value. Carlos Baleba could anchor midfield after his £70 million ($92 million) move, while Kobbie Mainoo may find fresh opportunity in the centre.

Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo looks secure on the right, where his more natural role should be used more often. Bruno Fernandes would operate as the central creator, with his status unchanged for now despite contract uncertainty beyond this season.

Manchester United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, with the Argentine set to take charge from Wednesday, Nov. 18. His appointment brings him back to the Premier League for the first time since May 2024 and ends United’s latest search for a permanent manager.

The club have again moved to reset after another stretch of frustration. Michael Carrick paid the price, while blame for United’s failings had already been spread around the club, from Lisandro Martínez’s criticism of Jason Wilcox to comments from club icons aimed at the players and Bruno Fernandes pointing to the entire coaching staff.

This is the eighth time since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013 that United have returned to the drawing board in search of the figure who can restore the standards associated with their most successful era. Pochettino was quickly established as the leading candidate during the November international break and has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, even as he remained in charge of the U.S. men’s national team at the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.

His return to England comes with considerable Premier League pedigree. Pochettino spent more than five years in north London, where he worked with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min at Tottenham Hotspur. His best moment there was guiding Spurs to their first and only Champions League final in 2019, when they lost to Liverpool. He also earned credit for the stability he provided, a quality that has grown in reputation over time.

A spell at Paris Saint-Germain followed before a difficult season at Chelsea, where he clashed with the club’s hierachy, lost the 2024 Carabao Cup final and oversaw the Blues’ worst Premier League defensive campaign in the modern era. Despite that, his only trophies came at PSG, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé delivering success in Ligue 1.

Pochettino now inherits a fractured United side that has struggled defensively, backed by a front office with a quick trigger finger and poor transfer instincts. It is the defining challenge of his career, and one that also leaves U.S. Soccer facing an unexpected search for a replacement after only recently securing him on a new four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup.

His work with the USMNT had appeared to be building steadily. He took on a larger role with the youth levels, appointed Tyler Adams as captain and began blending veterans with emerging talent. United’s move has abruptly changed that picture, and the federation is now left to find the next man to lead the Stars and Stripes, with former Manchester City and Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola reportedly viewed as its “top target” to begin a new era.