Michael Carrick admits loyalty to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer influenced Man Utd exit

Michael Carrick insists his loyalty to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played a part in his exit from Manchester United.

The caretaker boss announced his departure from the club immediately after United's 3-2 win over Arsenal as Ralf Rangnick takes charge.

Carrick insists a number of reasons went into his decision but the fact he wanted to stay loyal to Solskjaer who was sacked was ultimately a factor.

He said: "We were in a situation where there was a responsibility to see these games through. The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor but there were a lot of things that came into my decision."

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Carrick opened up on his exit, adding: "It's not been an easy decision to make, but I feel it's the right one. I was meant to take some time off when I finished playing. I promised my family we'd have some time together and it hasn't happened! I'll be back around the place, it's not like I'm disappearing. It's just the right time, and what a way to finish.

"Yeah, it's 100 per cent my decision. We've worked so hard to try to bring some success here in recent years, and it's difficult when you don't quite get to those heights. But I'll have great memories of working with great people. "

Carrick revealed the players were only told about the news at the full-time whistle and the dressing room was emotional following the announcement.

He said: "I told the players just now - it's a little bit emotional in the changing room. I held it together, just about!

"It's not been easy to keep quiet about it for the last few days but I had a job to do. I'm not the important one here, and I was desperate to win the game for the players and the fans. It was a big night for us."