Jim Ratcliffe refuses to speak on Michael Carrick’s chances of permanent Man Utd role

Jim Ratcliffe has refused to speak on Michael Carrick ’s chances of being appointed permanently as Manchester United manager despite recognising the “excellent job” he is doing in the interim role.

Carrick was supposed to be a short-term solution following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January, but the former midfielder has led United up the table, with the club now looking one of the more likely contenders to earn Champions League qualification.

The 44-year-old tasted defeat for the first time since taking the reins last week as his side suffered a late loss at Newcastle - but after a run of seven unbeaten games, Carrick is nevertheless acing his audition to become United’s next long-term manager.

Red Devils owner Ratcliffe was asked at the Chinese Grand Prix how he assessed the job Carrick was doing, to which the Ineos chief told Sky Sports : "He's doing an excellent job. Yeah, absolutely."

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Michael Carrick lost his first match in charge of United at Newcastle last time out (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

However, when probed about what the former England international’s chances are of being kept on beyond this season, Ratcliffe kept schtum.

"Not going there,” asserted Ratcliffe, who was at the Shanghai International Circuit as a part-owner of Mercedes’ Formula 1 team.

Ratcliffe came under heavy fire last month for his controversial comments that saw him claim the United Kingdom had been “colonised by immigrants”.

The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer , had called Ratcliffe’s comments “offensive” before the billionaire apologised , while Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also criticised the Ineos tycoon for “insulting, inflammatory and incorrect” remarks.

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Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe came under heavy fire for his immigration comments (PA Wire)

United had issued a statement which did not mention Ratcliffe specifically but said they prided themselves on being an “inclusive and welcoming club”, before Carrick said that he was proud of the diverse culture at the club .

He said: “Sir Jim made his statement and the club made a statement on the back of it. It is not my place to add to that. Enough has been said in that regard.

“What I can say is that I have been around this club many years and we always make a huge impact globally and we are really responsible for that. Throughout the years, as a player and member of staff and as a supporter, we are really proud of the environment and culture we’ve got at the club.

“Equality and diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day. I have travelled the world and know what this club means to an awful lot of people. I am fully aware of the responsibility and we try to carry that out every day. I am proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long.”