Michael Carrick confirms that it was his decision to leave Manchester United

Michael Carrick has confirmed that it was ‘100%’ his decision to leave Manchester United.

It was announced that Carrick would leave the club after United beat Arsenal 3-2 on Thursday night at Old Trafford.

Carrick was part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff and took caretaker charge of the club following the Norwegian’s sacking. The former midfielder won his first game in charge of United against Villarreal while he was also at the helm at Chelsea on Sunday.

Ralf Rangnick was appointed as interim manager earlier this week, but the German encountered work permit issues, which meant he watched from the stands against Arsenal on Thursday as Carrick took charge for one final time on the touchline.

Carrick leaves after 15 years spent at United and he revealed after the game that it was his decision to go separate ways.

“It’s not been an easy one to make, to be honest, but I feel it’s the right one. I’m content with my decision,” Carrick told Amazon Prime.

“I feel quite happy. I was meant to take some time off after I finished paying and I promised the family that we would have some time together. It feels like the right time to step away. What a way to finish. It’s been the perfect night.

It was 100% my decision, over the last week, it’s been creeping in. I was conscious that I respected the club and I respected the new manager coming in and I wanted to make the decision before I spoke to him or made any contact with him.

“There was no crossover whatsoever. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club.

“Once I made the decision, that was final and I was happy with that.”