Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised interim head coach Michael Carrick, stating he is doing an excellent job.
United appointed Carrick in January on a contract until the end of the season after sacking Ruben Amorim.
The 44-year-old former United midfielder tasted defeat for the first time in charge at Newcastle but has steadied the ship at Old Trafford and helped the club climb to third in the Premier League table.
When asked by Sky Sports' Craig Slater at the Chinese GP in Shanghai how he assessed the job Carrick was doing, Ratcliffe said: He's doing an excellent job.
Yeah, absolutely.
However, when pressed on whether Carrick could get the permanent role, Ratcliffe said: Not going there.
United face a key game in the race for Champions League qualification when Aston Villa visit on Sunday.
Asked about qualifying for Europe's top club competition, Ratcliffe said: Yes, clearly we're thinking about that.
But there's still seven or eight games to go.
Still a while yet.
Sky Sports' Gary Neville had said earlier this month that Carrick was in the box seat for the full-time position.
The run they have been on has been a shock to everybody, said Neville in early March.
Michael would not have expected this in his wildest dreams.
He is in the box seat for the job.
Looking at what is happening now, I think they will qualify for the Champions League.
Neville's verdict came before United were forced to scrap to a comeback win over Crystal Palace and following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes questioned Carrick's credentials.
And fellow pundit Jamie Carragher instead believes Sunday's opposition manager, Unai Emery, would be the perfect man to revive United in the longer term.
I suspect he does not rank high among the candidates, Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column.
That is good.
United's current position and upcoming games will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
With several games left to play, the club's owners and fans will be watching closely to see how the season unfolds.
The praise from Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be a boost to Carrick, but the decision on his future remains uncertain.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Carrick's position at the club evolves and whether he will be given the opportunity to lead the team on a permanent basis.
The club's performance in the remaining games will be vital in securing a top-four spot and qualifying for the Champions League.
The upcoming game against Aston Villa will be a key test for Carrick and his team, and a win could strengthen their position in the league.
The club's owners and fans will be hoping for a positive outcome and a strong finish to the season.
With the Champions League qualification still within reach, the team will need to maintain their focus and continue to perform well in the remaining games.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the season, and Carrick will be under pressure to deliver results and secure a top-four spot.
The situation at Manchester United is complex, and the decision on Carrick's future will depend on various factors, including the club's performance and the availability of other candidates.
As the season draws to a close, the club's owners and fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome and hoping for a successful conclusion to the campaign.
