Michael Carrick has received support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, although Ratcliffe did not confirm whether Carrick’s position will be extended beyond this season.
After the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Carrick was appointed as United’s manager until the season’s conclusion.
Under his management, the team has risen to third place in the Premier League, putting them in contention for next year’s Champions League.
Despite suffering his first defeat against Newcastle United in the last match, Carrick’s efforts have been commended by Ratcliffe.
“He’s doing an excellent job. Absolutely,” Ratcliffe told Sky Sports News, though he refrained from committing to Carrick’s future with the club.
“Not going there,” he replied when asked about extending Carrick’s contract.
The co-owner acknowledged that they are focused on qualifying for the Champions League.
“Yes, clearly that’s on our minds,” Ratcliffe stated. “But we still have seven or eight games left. There’s plenty of time.”
Carrick’s composed approach with the media and his ability to handle the pressures of leadership have impressed many, but sources have indicated that the club is not in a hurry to secure a longer contract for him.
His managerial reputation is growing, and should he leave Old Trafford, he would likely have numerous opportunities available, sources told ESPN.
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Carrick’s United will face Aston Villa this Sunday as they continue their push for the Champions League.
He remarked, “This is a tough league. Almost every team has faced challenges recently, which puts things into perspective and helps us focus on improvement.
“As a group, we’ve gained significant confidence from recent performances and what we can achieve on the pitch.
“This is a crucial game, there’s no doubt about it. It’s an exciting fixture.
“We’ve positioned ourselves well now, with a lot still at stake, so we’re fully embracing this situation and looking forward to the next matchup.”
Information for this report was contributed by ESPN’s Mark Ogden.