Premier League 2025-26: Ratcliffe praises Carrick but avoids talk of permanent Manchester United role

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said interim coach Michael Carrick is doing an “excellent job”, but the British billionaire would not entertain a question about the former player possibly keeping the role long term.

United is up to third place in the Premier League under Carrick, the former England and United midfielder who was hired in January on a contract until the end of the season.

“He’s doing an excellent job, yeah, absolutely,” Ratcliffe told British broadcasters at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim was fired in early January after 14 months in charge, with United in sixth place.

Ratcliffe, who controls United’s football operations despite being a minority shareholder, was asked by Sky Sports if Carrick would get the job permanently if the team’s upward trend continues.

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“Not going there,” Ratcliffe said with a chuckle.

Under Carrick, United has won six of its eight games, with just one loss. United hosts Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. Both teams are level on points, with United ahead on goal difference.

Ratcliffe, owner of petrochemicals giant INEOS, is also a shareholder in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

Published on Mar 14, 2026