Michael Carrick’s decision to not join Ralf Rangnick’s coaching team left staff at Manchester United ‘gutted', according to reports.
The 40-year-old ended his 16-year association with the club at the start of the month, having guided United as caretaker boss through three matches.
It was anticipated that Carrick, who had worked alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before being tasked with immediately replacing him, would remain with the team following Rangnick’s appointment.
But after picking up two wins and a draw in his trio of matches in the dugout, the former England international confirmed he would be leaving Old Trafford.
“My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career,” he said in a statement moments after the 3-2 win over Arsenal.
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“However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club.
“I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible. I would like to wish Ralf, the staff, the players and the fans all the best for the future and I look forward to being in the stands and supporting the boys as a fan.”
Rangnick was keen to retain the services of Carrick, but according to GQ his mind was already made up before the German had signed on the dotted line to become interim boss.
Carrick has been part of the coaching setup at Carrington since his retirement in 2018 and has built up a host of admirers at the club thanks to his attitude and professionalism.
The report adds that many members of staff were ‘gutted’ at his departure, with the former England international seen as someone with all the traits to become a top coach.
He would reportedly regularly take team meetings during Solskjaer’s stint in charge and was a conduit between players and staff throughout his time.
After a positive start to his caretaker reign, the idea of him remaining long-term had been mooted and although that never came to fruition, he retains the utmost respect of many within Old Trafford.
At the time of his departure, football director John Murtough said: “We are grateful for the steady leadership Michael has shown through this period of managerial transition, and, while he is now stepping away from day-to-day involvement, he will always be welcome back as a legend of the club.”
Former United player Paul Ince told the Mirror that he believes Carrick was wise to keep his options open, to either pair up with Solskjaer again, or have a crack at a full-time gig.
He explained: “You presume Solskjaer will want to get back on the horse eventually, whether that be in the Championship or another country. Is that the case Carrick can go join Ole again as his No.2.
“But he might have got the taste for it (management). He did ever so well in those three games. Let's not get carried away, but they were three important games. Villarreal, which they needed to win, the Chelsea draw and beating Arsenal. Those are three tough games.”
