Carrick Admits “We’ve Not Had the Results Lately” in 411-Word Farewell Letter

• Michael Carrick posted a 411-word letter to Manchester United supporters on Friday, his first public statement after his dismissal on Thursday, per Daily Mail.
• United confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement less than an hour before the letter appeared.
• United have agreed to pay more than £10million to buy Pochettino and his backroom staff out of their contracts with the US Soccer Federation.

A Farewell That Gives The Results One Sentence

Carrick’s first public words after his dismissal came a little over 24 hours after Manchester United’s statement on his departure. When he did speak, he gave the results a single sentence and spent the rest of his letter thanking the supporters, the coaching staff, the people behind the scenes and the players. He uploaded it to Instagram and signed it with his first name only. It is reproduced below in full.

The Culture He Says United Demands

Carrick opened by addressing the fans and describing what the job asks of anyone who takes it.

“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.”

The Supporters and the Admission on Results

The middle of the letter turns to the supporters, and it holds the only reference to the form that cost him his job.

“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.”

The Staff, the Players and the Sign Off

He then thanked those who worked with him, starting with his coaches.

“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. Michael.”

The Man Who Replaces Him

Carrick had continued to attend training on Tuesday and Wednesday while reports said he would be relieved of his duties. United then announced that Pochettino, a 54-year-old Argentine, had agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract. The club’s statement says he becomes head coach from 18 November, once he and his staff are released after their responsibilities with the US men’s national team end. Pochettino will lead the United States against Haiti in Miami on Saturday and in Cincinnati on Wednesday, and his first match with United is against Liverpool at Anfield. His role with the United States is the reason the handover has a timetable.

Gary Neville was not the only voice to question the club’s treatment of Carrick. Neville, Carrick’s former teammate, said:

“In the last 24-48 hours it’s been spectacularly bad to be in Monaco as an executive and an owner whilst your manager, who’s a club legend, is taking training on the pitch and simultaneously approaching the US Soccer Federation to approach Mauricio Pochettino.”

“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.”

Carrick was handed the job permanently after a third-placed finish, having taken over from the sacked Ruben Amorim. His last match in charge was a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. Pochettino’s first test is Anfield, and Carrick’s letter says he will be watching from the sidelines.