Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised Michael Carrick’s work as interim head coach and also made a big Champions League admission

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised Michael Carrick’s work at Manchester United, though he declined to confirm whether the interim boss would be handed the role permanently. The 44-year-old was appointed caretaker manager until the season’s conclusion earlier this year after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Carrick has so far secured six victories from eight possible matches, prompting inevitable speculation about his long-term prospects at Old Trafford. Co-owner Ratcliffe, who is in Shanghai with Mercedes for the Chinese Grand Prix, addressed the matter during an impromptu interview following qualifying.

“He’s doing an excellent job,” he told Sky Sports. When pressed on whether Carrick would be appointed permanently should results continue, he smiled and replied: “I’m not going there.”

Regarding Champions League qualification for next season, he added: “Clearly we’re thinking about that but there’s still seven or eight games to go.” As Ratcliffe correctly pointed out, there remain plenty of points up for grabs, though United find themselves well positioned.

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Manchester City and Arsenal are the only sides currently above United in the table as they sit on 51 points, level with weekend visitors Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s outfit were comfortably third but a disappointing spell has seen them slip down a place ahead of their journey to Old Trafford.

Carrick has benefited from having nearly a complete squad at his disposal for the majority of matches during his tenure, although fitness worries have mounted lately.

Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are presently on the treatment table, but Carrick has stated that Mason Mount is nearing a return.

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 also received welcome news regarding injuries, with club captain John McGinn rejoining the squad for his side’s Europa League last-16 first leg victory in Lille following a two-month absence.

A triumph over another European competitor would probably only bolster Carrick’s prospects of remaining at the club next season, with former player Michael Owen believing he deserves the job.

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?”.