Rangnick to retain rest of Man Utd staff after Carrick exit
Carrick served Man Utd for 15 years as a player then coach
Written by Training Ground Guru — December 3, 2021
INTERIM Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick says he will retain the club’s current backroom staff “because I need their experience and expertise.”
Last night first-team coach Michael Carrick, who had taken caretaker charge of the side for three games following the exit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, announced he was leaving the club after 15 years.
Rangnick, speaking today at his first press conference as United's manager, said he planned to bring in up to three staff, but that the rest of the existing backroom would remain.
"I am more than happy to work with the current coaching staff because I need their experience and expertise regarding the current squad,” said the German, who reverts to a consultancy role at United at the end of the season.
“I will obviously try to find one, two, maybe three people who can join us in the next one or two weeks but due to the Brexit regulations it is not that easy.
“Many of my former colleagues, no matter if it is video analysts or assistant coaches, are in long-term contracts with big clubs, so they are not available right now. We have to be a little bit smart and clever and find the right people.
“I hope that we can get them in here in the next one or two weeks but I cannot tell you any names.”
Rangnick said he met with Carrick and fellow first-team coach Kieran McKenna two days ago and had tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade the former to stay on.
“I had a long private conversation with him (Carrick) for more than an hour and 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 in professional football and in the end I had to accept that. In a way I can also accept his decision."
Carrick played 464 games for United between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and Fifa Club World Cup.
He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
Football Director John Murtough said: “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 will always be known as one of the finest midfielders in the history of Manchester United, and, more recently, as an excellent coach who has worked tirelessly under two managers to help develop the strong squad which Ralf will now take charge of.
“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.”
Carrick added: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
“However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club. I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.
“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.”
