Sir Jim speaks out for the first time: decision made on Michael Carrick's future with Man Utd after the team pushes for a UCL spot.
On 14 March 2026 GMT+7, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, gave his first personal interview regarding the consideration of appointing Michael Carrick as permanent manager after the conclusion of the 2025-26 English Premier League season.
Michael Carrick has delivered excellent results as interim coach, leading the team unbeaten in the first seven games with an impressive record of six wins and one draw before suffering his first defeat in an away match against Newcastle United, who played with ten men, losing 0-1.
Carrick's performance has brought Manchester United back into serious contention for a UEFA Champions League spot next season. The latest Premier League standings show them in third place with 51 points, level with fourth-placed Aston Villa, and three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Liverpool.
This success has strengthened calls for Michael Carrick to become Man Utd's permanent manager. Recently, a Sky Sports reporter caught up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the paddock at the 2026 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix, round 2 of the season, in China, to ask about this issue.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of INEOS and a one-third shareholder of Mercedes through his petrochemical company, is connected to Mercedes, a leading Formula One team competing at the sport’s highest level.
When asked about Manchester United’s performance and particularly Michael Carrick, Sir Jim replied, "He’s doing an excellent job, absolutely."
However, when questioned about whether Carrick might receive a permanent contract with Manchester United, Sir Jim quickly responded, "No, we are not discussing that yet."
"Of course, we are thinking about that (the Champions League qualification), but there are still 7-8 matches left to play (actually 9), so there is still some time."