Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Michael Carrick doing 'excellent job' at Manchester United but refuses to discuss chances of permanent job

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised interim head coach Michael Carrick - but stopped short of backing him to land the job on a full-time basis.

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 last time out but after steadying the ship at Old Trafford and helping the club climb to third in the Premier League table, remains the bookmakers' favourite to land the full-time job.

But pressed on whether Carrick could get the permanent role, Ratcliffe said: "Not going there."