Michael Carrick Delivers Excellent Job At Manchester United, Says Ratcliffe

Add as a preferred source on Google

Michael Carrick is guiding a strong revival at Manchester United, with Jim Ratcliffe praising the interim head coach while refusing to discuss the long-term role. Carrick’s Manchester United side has collected 19 points from eight league matches, more than any other Premier League club in that spell, and is pushing hard for Champions League qualification after three seasons away.

The former Manchester United midfielder returned to Old Trafford in January as interim head coach, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Since stepping in, Carrick has won six of eight matches in charge and drawn one, with only a single defeat. This sequence has prompted calls for the 44-year-old to receive the position on a permanent basis.

Despite growing support for Michael Carrick to stay at Manchester United beyond this season, Jim Ratcliffe is staying guarded over the appointment. Asked about extending Carrick’s tenure, Ratcliffe responded: "No, not going there. He is doing an excellent job, yes, absolutely." Ratcliffe underlined that the priority is Champions League qualification, which Manchester United has not achieved for three seasons.

Manchester United currently sits third in the Premier League, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference. Ratcliffe admitted the club is closely watching the top-four battle, stating: "Clearly, we are thinking about that [Champions League qualification]," but noted there are still "seven or eight games" remaining, leaving time for the situation to change.

The fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday gives Manchester United a chance to create a gap in the table and tighten its grip on a Champions League place. A positive result would reward Carrick’s strong run while leaving Ratcliffe free to assess the head coach position after the season’s final matches.