Sir Jim Ratcliffe has commended Michael Carrick's performances in temporary charge of Manchester United, although he stopped short of confirming whether he would receive the position on a permanent basis. The 44-year-old was installed as interim boss until the campaign's end earlier this year following Ruben Amorim's sacking.
Carrick has thus far claimed six wins from eight available fixtures, sparking unavoidable questions regarding his future at Old Trafford. Co-owner Ratcliffe, who is currently in Shanghai with Mercedes for the Chinese Grand Prix, discussed the situation during an unscheduled interview after qualifying.
"He's doing an excellent job," he told Sky Sports. When questioned on whether Carrick would secure permanent appointment if results persist, he smiled and responded: "I'm not going there." On the subject of Champions League qualification for next term, he stated: "Clearly we're thinking about that but there's still seven or eight games to go."
As Ratcliffe rightly observed, numerous points remain available, though United are favourably placed. Manchester City and Arsenal are the sole teams presently above United in the standings as they sit on 51 points, level with weekend opponents Aston Villa.
Unai Emery's side were comfortably third but a poor run has witnessed them drop down a place ahead of their trip to Old Trafford. Carrick has enjoyed the luxury of an almost fully-fit squad throughout much of his spell in charge, though injury concerns have increased in recent weeks.
Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are currently sidelined, while there are some minor doubts over Noussair Mazraoui. However, Carrick has been able to confirm a boost with Mason Mount close to making his comeback.
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."
Villa have similarly received encouraging injury updates, with skipper John McGinn returning to action for their Europa League last-16 first leg win in Lille after spending two months out. Emery still has some key players unavailable with Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans injured while Jadon Sancho is inelligible to face his parent club.