The co-owner of Manchester United, Jim Ratcliffe, praised the "excellent work" of Michael Carrick as interim manager but avoided commenting on the possibility of a permanent appointment. Since taking charge of the team in January, following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim, the former United midfielder, 44, has led the team to a resurgence in form. Under his leadership, the team has secured 19 out of 24 possible points, achieving six victories in eight matches. During this period, no other club in the Premier League, including leaders Arsenal, has accumulated as many points. Speaking publicly for the first time about Carrick since his appointment, Ratcliffe was clear in his praise. "He is doing an excellent job, yes, no doubt," he stated to Sky Sports News while attending the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Despite the team's good form generating calls for Carrick to be considered for the full-time position, the co-owner refused to address that possibility. When asked about a potential long-term appointment, Ratcliffe was emphatic: "No, I'm not going down that road." Manchester United entered the matchday in third place in the league, with nine games remaining, well positioned to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, something that hasn't happened since the 2022/23 season. "Clearly we are thinking about that [Champions League qualification], but there are still seven or eight games left, so there is still a long way to go," Ratcliffe commented. Securing a spot in the top European club competition would undoubtedly strengthen Carrick's candidacy to remain in the role beyond this season. It is worth noting that the club has had a recent history of instability in management. Rúben Amorim was dismissed in January, just 14 months after being hired to replace Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese manager, who had received a vote of confidence in October for a three-year project, could not withstand a poor start to the season after finishing the previous Premier League campaign in a modest 15th place and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Manchester United Jim Ratcliffe remains central to this story.
Manchester United Jim Ratcliffe remains central to this story.
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