Sir Jim Ratcliffe asked for update on Michael Carrick’s long term Man United future

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised Michael Carrick for his ‘excellent job’ at Manchester United, but refused to discuss his potential permanent appointment.

Carrick has revived the Red Devils since taking interim charge after the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January.

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Appointed on a temporary contract until the end of the season, the club legend has won six of his first eight games in charge.

With just one defeat under Carrick, Man United have won more points than other Premier League side during this time, including leaders Arsenal.

The 44-year-old’s impressive start to life has led to many calling for his permanent appointment.

‘Not going there!’

Carrick has now received a huge show of confidence from United’s co-owner, Ratcliffe.

The INEOS chief was approached by Sky Sports cameras at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, where he spoke publicly for the first time about Carrick since taking the reigns.

On how he thought Man United, and specifically Carrick, are doing, Ratcliffe said: “He’s doing an excellent job.”

However, Ratcliffe stopped short of discussing the interim boss’ long-term future at the club.

When asked if Carrick could be handed a permanent contract, he quickly replied: “(I’m) not going there!”

Ratcliffe continued to be asked about his current head coach, as the topic turned to United’s bid for Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils are currently third in the Premier League table, three points ahead of fifth place with nine games remaining.

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England look highly likely to send five teams to Europe’s elite competition once more next season.

On this, Ratcliffe said: “Clearly, we’re thinking about (Champions League qualification), but there’s still seven or eight games to go, so still a while.”

Track record

Carrick would certainly boost his case to stay in charge beyond this season by securing Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils last played in Europe’s premier competition in the 2023/24 campaign, where they exited in the group stage.

However, an eighth-place finish under Erik ten Hag saw them miss out two years ago, before they dropped out of European football altogether last term by ending up 15th in the Premier League.

And United’s recent struggles under Ten Hag and Amorim will make Ratcliffe all the more wary of his next permanent appointment.

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He opted to award Ten Hag a new contract after securing FA Cup final glory in 2024 – only to sack him less than three months into the following season.

Meanwhile, the Dutchman’s replacement Amorim was backed despite recording a record-low Premier League finish last season.

However, the Portuguese was then relieved of his duties in January after 14 months in charge, having failed to turn things around.

Carrick will look to continue his fine start at Old Trafford on Sunday, as United host Aston Villa in a huge match in the battle for Champions League football.