Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to witness his club secure a significant victory against Arsenal. In the aftermath of this triumph, Ratcliffe summoned interim head coach Michael Carrick for a private conversation, highlighting the positive impact the former midfielder has made since taking charge.
Carrick's Perfect Start at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has enjoyed a flawless beginning to his tenure as Manchester United's interim manager. Consecutive wins against formidable opponents, Manchester City and Arsenal, have propelled the team into fourth place in the Premier League standings. This surge has bolstered their aspirations of clinching a coveted Champions League spot for the upcoming season.
However, the race for European qualification remains intensely competitive. A cluster of clubs are vying for similar positions, with a mere five points separating United from Sunderland, who currently occupy 11th place. Carrick now faces a fresh challenge as Fulham prepare to visit Old Trafford this weekend, yet the optimism surrounding his appointment contrasts sharply with the atmosphere during previous managerial regimes under Ratcliffe's ownership.
Comparing Ratcliffe's Relationships with United Managers
Here, we examine how Carrick's early rapport with Sir Jim Ratcliffe measures up against those of his two immediate predecessors, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Erik ten Hag: A Public Admission of Error
Erik ten Hag was already at the helm of Manchester United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a stake in the club in February 2024. The team endured a challenging league campaign that year, prompting considerations of alternative managerial options. Despite this, Ten Hag secured an FA Cup victory, which earned him a one-year contract extension.
Shortly before his dismissal in October 2024, Ratcliffe publicly expressed support for the Dutchman, stating his admiration for Ten Hag as a coach. However, by March 2025, Ratcliffe openly conceded that renewing Ten Hag's contract had been a misstep. In an interview with Sky Sports, he acknowledged the error, citing mitigating circumstances but ultimately accepting responsibility and offering an apology for the decision.
Ruben Amorim: High Praise Followed by Parting Ways
Following Ten Hag's departure, Manchester United turned to Ruben Amorim, who had achieved notable success with Sporting CP. While Amorim guided the club to the Europa League final, his domestic record was less convincing, with only 15 wins from 47 league matches. Ratcliffe frequently praised Amorim's efforts during his tenure, describing him as an outstanding young manager with a bright future at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, pressure mounted as United finished 15th in the Premier League and suffered defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham. Reflecting on the situation, Ratcliffe emphasised that Amorim needed to demonstrate his coaching prowess over a longer period. The two parties eventually parted ways earlier this month, marking the end of Amorim's stint at the club.
Michael Carrick: A Promising Beginning
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to make any public statements regarding Michael Carrick since appointing him as interim head coach earlier this month. However, Carrick can derive encouragement from being selected ahead of former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and club legends Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher.
After the victory over Arsenal, Carrick postponed his post-match media obligations to engage in direct discussions with Ratcliffe. When approached by journalists, Ratcliffe humorously declined to answer questions, simply remarking, "just get the smile." Later, Carrick described the exchange as a pleasant interaction, noting the general happiness within the camp and Ratcliffe's delight with the result.
This private meeting underscores the positive early dynamics between Carrick and Ratcliffe, as Manchester United look to build on their recent successes and secure a strong finish to the season.
