Manchester United’s caretaker manager Michael Carrick on Thursday announced he is leaving the Premier League club with immediate effect following their stunning win over Arsenal at Old Trafford in a league outing.

Michael Carrick, a former midfielder at United, was appointed as the caretaker manager since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer quit last month. Carrick will hand over the baton to German tactician Ralf Rangnick who was appointed as the interim manager till the end of the season. Rangnick was set to take over before Thursday’s match against Arsenal but the German did not get a work permit on time upon his arrival.

An England international, Carrick won five Premier League titles at United under Alex Ferguson before joining Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff after retiring as a player in 2018.

He was a key part of Solskjaer’s management team and after the Norwegian’s departure led United to a win at Villarreal in the Champions League which secured a place in the last 16 and Sunday’s draw at Chelsea in the Premier League.

‘WAS NOT AN EASY DECISION TO MAKE’

Carrick said he felt it was the right time to quit the role and spend time with his dear ones, adding he did not take a break after his playing days were over. The former midfielder stressed that it was 100 percent his decision to leave the Old Trafford club.

“It’s not been an easy decision to make but I feel it’s the right one. I was going to take time off after I finished playing and it never happened. It feels like the right time to step away and what a way to finish,” Carrick told Amazon Prime.

“It’s 100% my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf and I’m quite happy with that,” he added.

“We were in a situation where there was a responsibility to see these games through,” said Carrick.

“I’ve had great times, great memories and I’m proud of the players over the past three games.

“I just told them and they were a bit shocked and surprised, a bit emotional in the changing room. I held it together just about. It’s not been easy to keep it away from people but I had a job to do,” the 40-year-old said.

‘RESPECT CARRICK’S DECISION’

United’s Football Director John Murtough said the club were sad to see him leave.

“Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach. While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael’s decision,” he said.