Carrick insists he is ‘grateful’ to have managed Man United after sacking

Michael Carrick said it was a “privilege” to manage Manchester United after being sacked by the club this week.

The former United midfielder leaves the club in the relegation zone, with Mauricio Pochettino taking the reins after the international break.

“There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful,” Carrick said.

“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.”