After making an impressive start at Manchester United, we’re comparing Michael Carrick’s relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe to those of his predecessors, Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag
07:46, 28 Jan 2026Updated 07:46, 28 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick has made a perfect start at Man United(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was present at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as Manchester United orchestrated an impressive win against Arsenal. The United co-owner will be delighted with the impact made by interim head coach Michael Carrick, having summoned the former midfielder for a private chat following the latest triumph.
Consecutive victories against Manchester City and Arsenal have lifted United into fourth place in the Premier League standings and strengthened their hopes of securing a Champions League spot. The race remains tight, however, with a group of clubs chasing the same positions and just five points separating United from Sunderland in 11th place.
Carrick now faces a very different challenge when Fulham visit Old Trafford this weekend. Even so, the new head coach has started his spell with a sense of optimism that was rarely experienced during the previous two managerial reigns under Ratcliffe’s ownership. Here, Mirror Football compares Carrick’s early relationship with Ratcliffe with that of his two predecessors.
Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag was already in charge at Old Trafford when Ratcliffe purchased a stake in the club in February 2024. United endured a difficult league campaign that year and were weighing up alternative options before the Dutchman guided them to FA Cup success, earning himself a one-year extension.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
READ MORE: New footage shows cause of Gabriel and Harry Maguire clash after Man Utd beat ArsenalREAD MORE: Andre Onana Man Utd transfer update as player’s representatives ‘in talks’
Shortly before Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, Ratcliffe publicly backed the manager, saying: “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call. It’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”
By March 2025, Ratcliffe conceded that renewing the manager’s deal had been the wrong decision. “We are not perfect, and we are on a journey and there have been a couple of errors along the way, but I think in the main all the things we are doing are the right things for the club,” he told Sky Sports.
“I agree the Erik ten Tag and [former sporting director] Dan Ashworth decisions were errors. I think there were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately they were errors. I accept that and I apologise for that.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted renewing Erik ten Hag’s contract in 2024 was a mistake(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim
After Ten Hag’s departure, United turned to Ruben Amorim following his standout achievements with Sporting CP. While the Portuguese coach guided United to the Europa League final, his league record was less convincing, with just 15 wins from 47 matches. Despite this, Ratcliffe frequently spoke highly of Amorim’s efforts during his time at Old Trafford.
In an interview with BBC Sport in March 2025, Ratcliffe said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest. I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”
Pressure mounted on Amorim after United finished 15th in the league and were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final. Reflecting on the situation during an appearance on The Business podcast in October, Ratcliffe said: “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe parted ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this month(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick
Ratcliffe has not yet spoken publicly about Carrick since appointing him interim head coach earlier this month. Still, the former England midfielder can take encouragement from being chosen ahead of past United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and club legends Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher.
After the Arsenal victory, Carrick postponed his post-match media duties in order to speak directly with Ratcliffe. When approached by journalists, Ratcliffe declined to answer questions, jokingly saying “just get the smile”.
Asked later about the exchange with the United co-owner, Carrick told Viaplay: “No, not much as you would expect, I think. There’s a lot of happy bodies around the camp today and he’s delighted as well. So it was nice to see him.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.