Michael Carrick has impressed as Manchester United interim head coach with Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently asked about his future
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a new Michael Carrick Manchester United manager verdict
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a new Michael Carrick Manchester United manager verdict(Image: Sky Sports)
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has insisted Michael Carrick is doing an excellent job at Manchester United, but refused to comment on whether he would give him the permanent job. The 44-year-old was installed as interim head coach until the end of the season earlier this year following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Carrick has thus far overseen six wins from a possible eight with questions subsequently arriving on his long-term future at Old Trafford. The latest of those was put to co-owner Ratcliffe, who is in Shanghai with Mercedes for the Chinese Grand Prix, and he had a clear message to deliver.
"He's doing an excellent job," he told Sky Sports during an impromptu interview after qualifying. When asked if he will get the job permanently if the results carry on, while smiling, he said: "I'm not going there."
On qualifying for next season's Champions League, he added: "Clearly we're thinking about that but there's still seven or eight games to go." As Ratcliffe rightly highlighted, there are still plenty of points to compete for but United find themselves in a great position.
Manchester City and Arsenal are the only teams currently ahead of United in the league table as they sit on 51 points, level with weekend opponents Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side were comfortably third but a poor run of form has seen them drop down a place ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
Carrick has been fortunate to very nearly have a full squad available to him for most games in charge, though fitness concerns have increased recently.
Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are currently sidelined, but Carrick has confirmed that Mason Mount is close to being back.
He said on Friday: "Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic. He's not 100 per cent, because he's only trained with us a small amount of time, but he's back, and that's good for us. So, we'll see if he's involved or not."
Mason Mount of Manchester United
Mason Mount has returned to Manchester United training
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Villa have also been handed a big boost on the injury front with club captain John McGinn returning to the fold in his side's Europa League last-16 first leg win in Lille after two months out.
A win over another European rival would likely only strengthen Carrick's chances of being at the club next season with former player Michael Owen of the belief he should be appointed.
Speaking on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: "I can't believe people are questioning whether he should get the job. Manchester United have waited about 12 years - they've gone for proven, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].
"And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board - you're telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say 'thanks, but no thanks'. How is that possible?"