Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Manchester United's hierarchy over the club's announcement confirming Michael Carrick's departure, describing the statement as impersonal and comparing it to something generated by artificial intelligence.

United confirmed on Thursday that Carrick had left his role as men's first-team head coach following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign.

However, the manner of the announcement has frustrated former defender Ferdinand, who believes the club should have shown greater respect to his former team-mate by addressing his departure publicly.

Rio Ferdinand compares Manchester United statement to ChatGPT

Manchester United confirmed Carrick's exit through a brief written statement, with no public comments from senior figures at the club.

Ferdinand was quick to express his frustration on social media, questioning why the announcement had not been accompanied by someone from the hierarchy speaking directly about the decision.

"Man United statement like Chat GPT… I wanna hear a voice!" Ferdinand wrote.

"I want to see a face to this…"

The former United defender subsequently expanded on his criticism during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents, arguing that the way Carrick's departure had been handled lacked the respect he deserved.

"You do everything you can to make this end in the most amicable and respectful and pleasant way possible," Ferdinand said.

"I think the way it has been done, it could have been done better. I think the leaks coming out of the club are terrible, they don't reflect well on anybody at all.

"It adds to the disrespect to the person in charge at the time. It is terrible to play out in the public like this. The minimum you should get is a bit of respect."

Michael Carrick dismissed after difficult start to the season

Carrick's departure came after a brief morning meeting at the club's Carrington training ground.

The former midfielder reportedly arrived shortly before 8am and left at 10:18am after being informed of the decision.

His exit follows an underwhelming start to the new campaign, including an early Carabao Cup elimination against Brighton.

Despite recording 14 wins, six draws and eight defeats during his 28 matches in charge, United ultimately decided that a change was necessary.

The club's official statement acknowledged Carrick's contribution after returning to Old Trafford in January, particularly his role in guiding the team to a third-place Premier League finish during the 2025/26 season.

It read: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach.

"Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions. Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club.

"His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered. The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."

Mauricio Pochettino emerges as leading candidate to replace Carrick

United are already working towards appointing a permanent successor, with former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate.

Reports suggest the Red Devils have reached a verbal agreement with the Argentine, who is currently in charge of the United States men's national team.

United have reportedly made a formal approach to US Soccer in an attempt to secure his release from his international commitments.

With the club looking to salvage their season, attention will now turn to whether Pochettino can be appointed and how quickly he could begin work at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand's criticism, meanwhile, has added another layer to the scrutiny surrounding United's decision-making, with the former defender questioning not only the timing of Carrick's dismissal but the way the club communicated his departure.