Jim Ratcliffe speaks out on 'excellent' Michael Carrick and permanent Man Utd job

Ratcliffe was giving little away on the future of Carrick (Picture: Getty)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hailed Michael Carrick ’s impressive spell in charge of Manchester United – but refused to be drawn on whether he is closing in on the permanent gig.

Ruben Amorim was sacked in January with Carrick drafted in until the end of the season, tasked with steadying the ship and salvaging something from the 2025-26 campaign.

The former midfielder enjoyed a wonderful start with wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in his opening two games, taking 19 points from a possible 21 across his first seven in charge.

While he suffered his first defeat to Newcastle United last time out, United are still in third place and firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.

Whether United qualify for next season’s competition could ultimately decide Carrick’s fate but his impressive start has him sat as the bookmakers’ favourite for the permanent job.

Ratcliffe was in Shanghai  this morning for qualifying ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix with Sky Sports’ Craig Slater quizzing on Carrick’s chances of getting the permanent job at the end of the season.

‘He’s doing an excellent job, absolutely,’ Ratcliffe said. Asked whether he will get the job permanently if current form continues, the United co-owner said:  Not going there!’

"Michael Carrick is doing an excellent job" 👀Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks to Craig Slater on his hopes for both Mercedes and Manchester United, but refuses to comment on whether Michael Carrick could remain as head coach after this season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/VncqaKC5jd — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2026

Ratcliffe is viewing Champions League qualification as a very realistic prospect, adding: ‘Yes, clearly we are thinking about that. But there are still seven or eight games to go so still a while to go.’

United have not made any decision on Carrick’s future at this stage with there still the possibility they turn to a new face at the end of the season.

Carrick the current favourite for the job (Picture: Getty)

Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery are among the Premier League managers who have been linked with the role with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann another possible candidate.