United’s resurgence has naturally led to calls for Carrick to be considered for the job on a full-time basis.
But Ratcliffe refused to be drawn on appointing Carrick in a long-term role, saying: “No, not going there.”
United went into the weekend sitting third in the league with nine games left to play, on course for Champions League qualification for the first time since a third-place finish in the 2022-23 season.
“Clearly we are thinking about that [Champions League qualification], but there are still seven or eight games to go, so still a while yet,” said Ratcliffe.
Should Carrick manage to steer United into the Champions League, he will strengthen the case for him to stay in charge beyond this season.
But Ratcliffe and United’s board are acutely aware that they must get their next appointment right.
Ratcliffe opted to given Erik ten Hag a new contract following United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024 – only to sack him less than three months into the following season.
Replacement Amorim was backed despite United finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
After a mixed start to this season, Ratcliffe said in October that he hoped to give the Portuguese coach three years to prove he is the right man at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim was sacked in January, after only 14 months in charge.
