Manchester United Boss Ralf Rangnick Lifts Lid On Michael Carrick Situation

Manchester United will finally be spearheaded by Ralf Rangnick in its next English Premier League game.

After leading Manchester United to its first Premier League win since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s firing, Michael Carrick stepped down as the club’s caretaker manager to give way for incoming interim manager Rangnick.

Carrick announced that “after a lot of thought and deliberation,” he has decided to leave the club. Rangnick, on the other hand, said that he tried to convince Carrick to stay and continue to be part of the club’s coaching staff.

According to the German tactician, he personally talked to Carrick about it, but despite his efforts to keep the young coach, the latter was determined to leave and Rangnick respected his decision.

“Michael [Carrick], I got to know this [decision] two days ago,” Rangnick told reporters in his inaugural press conference at Old Trafford via Manchester United’s official website. “I met with Michael and Kieran [McKenna] but especially with Michael two days ago. ”

“I had a long private conversation with him for more than an hour and I was trying to convince him to stay on board, but he had obviously taken that decision weeks ago that he needed a break and a rest after 30 years of professional football,” the 63-year-old added. “In the end, I had to accept that, and in a way, I can also understand his decision.”

Under Carrick, Manchester United had quite an impressive run. He managed to get Jadon Sancho, who scored goals against Villarreal and Chelsea, more involved in the club’s attack, something Solskjaer wasn’t able to do for a long time.

Atop that, Carrick also saw Cristiano Ronaldo eye-to-eye and had the five-time Ballon d’Or winner leading the club to victory against Arsenal.

Despite leaving Manchester United, Carrick had earlier hinted at the possibility of coming back in the future as he has always dreamed of becoming a full-time manager.

"It certainly hasn’t put me off, no," Carrick said when quizzed about eventually leaving Manchester United. "Certainly hasn’t put me off. But at the same time, I’m not suddenly desperate to become a manager.”

"I’m realistic and the experience has definitely helped me from the lows and the sadness of Ole leaving to having to adapt and getting through the games,” he continued. “It has been a challenge but one I’ve enjoyed.”

Manchester United will be looking to continue where it left off when Rangnick makes his debut against Crystal Palace Sunday.