Ronaldo addresses Carrick's sudden Man Utd exit with message to Rangnick

Cristiano Ronaldo has labelled Michael Carrick a "class act" and welcomed new interim boss Ralf Rangnick to the club.

Carrick took charge of his final match as temporary United boss on Thursday night, with the Red Devils running out 3-2 winners over Arsenal in the Premier League.

The former Man United midfielder announced after the game that he would not be returning to his coaching role at Old Trafford and would instead be leaving the club.

Rangnick sat down before the press for the first time on Friday where he discussed his new role and plans for the future.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo took to Instagram to wish Carrick all the best for the future and welcome his new boss to Old Trafford.

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"Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well," wrote Ronaldo.

"Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I'm proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench. But now it's time to welcome Mister Ralf Rangnick to the wheel… Let's get started!"

Carrick was emotional on Thursday night as he explained his reasons for leaving United.

"It's not been an easy decision to make but I feel it's the right one," Carrick told Amazon. "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.

"It's 100 per cent 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 [Rangnick] and I'm quite happy with that.

"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.

"I've had great times, great memories and I'm proud of the players over the past three games. I just told [the players] 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."

Rangnick claims he tried to convince Carrick to stay at United, but eventually had to concede the Englishman wanted to leave.

"I got to know this two days ago [that Carrick was leaving]," said Rangnick on Friday.

"Had a private conversation with him for more than an hour. I tried to persuade him to stay on board but in the end, I had to accept his decision."