Andrew Beasley

Among the 20 managers with more than 290 matches in the Premier League, only the five “big beasts” of Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have better points-per-game averages than Mauricio Pochettino. He is an elite manager…

Michael Carrick released a statement yesterday following his Manchester United departure.

He wrote on social media: “I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love. There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.

“With that comes huge responsibility, and to be at Manchester United, you need to understand exactly what that means. It’s different to anywhere else.

“Ultimately, you need to push to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviours that you have to live by and respect, which have been built over a long period of time.

“It’s a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored. This is what inspired me every single day.

“I want to say a big thank you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.

“We’ve had some great times this year and moments we’ll all remember. The best thing about being in my position was seeing so many of you lose yourselves in the emotion of those moments, leaving the stadium desperate to come back again next time.

“I just wanted to give you something back. That love never dies.

“I know we’ve not had the results lately, but you’ve shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way.

“That means more than a win or two. That’s what makes you who you are.

“That’s why I fell in love with this club all those years ago.

“A special thank you to my coaching staff. You gave me everything you had, every single day, and I couldn’t have asked for any more. I’m incredibly grateful for your loyalty, hard work and support throughout.

“To all the staff behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do for this football club. So much of your work goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated.

“And to the players, thank you for your efforts and the moments we’ve shared. I wish you all the very best for what’s ahead.

“I want nothing but success for Manchester United. This club has been such a big part of my life and that will never change. I’ll always be proud to have played my part and I’ll always want the very best for it.

“I’ll be right there with you from now on, watching from the sidelines, cheering the lads on.”

In case you somehow missed it, Mauricio Pochettino was announced as the new Manchester United head coach yesterday. He succeeds Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday.

It was initially revealed on Monday that United were planning to dismiss Carrick, but they waited until Thursday to announce it after agreeing terms with Pochettino.

Do you think that was the right move by the club? Or was it disrespectful to Carrick?

Be sure to message in with your thoughts at matchday.live@guardian.co.uk or leave a comment below the line.

Well, it’s been quite the week, hasn’t it?

It’s not often that we have lots to discuss over the international window, but this one has generated so many talking points.

Manchester United have taken most of the headlines over the last few days. It was revealed on Monday that United were expected to sack Michael Carrick - but it took them until Thursday to actually do it. Meanwhile, they were busy appointing former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino as his successor. More on that shortly.

Crystal Palace also announced the dismissal of Pierre Sage this week, with Thomas Frank the favourite to replace him.

Also, of course, we do have some football to look forward to. Wales are in action against Norway later, with Portugal facing Denmark in their first game since captain Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement.

And there are four WSL games taking place today, with Chelsea hosting Manchester City in the big one.

All of that and more to come! Join us!