SIR JIM RATCLIFFE refused to “go there” when asked about Michael Carrick’s future – but did go to Manchester United’s training ground last week.
Ratcliffe has sporadically visited the Red Devils’ Carrington HQ throughout the season and enjoyed a cup of tea with the current United head coach.
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Michael Carrick has been given no assurances over his future Credit: Alamy
Sir Jim Ratcliffe visited Carrington to see the manager Credit: Getty
Ruben Amorim had such a warm rapport with Ratcliffe he jokingly told him to “f*** off” when the co-owner suggested areas to improve.
It is unlikely the current man in the hotseat is as colourful when an announcement on his future could come in four weeks’ time.
Carrick said: “We had a chat, we had a cup of tea. Casual chat, it was nice to see him showing his support.
“That was it. It was quite informal but it was nice to see him.
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“As a club, we’re hugely connected all the way through. It’s a big part.
“I’m really conscious that’s how it should be and I am trying to do my part.”
United host Brentford on Monday night in much better shape than ahead of September’s away clash, which marked United’s third defeat in their first six Prem games.
There were rumblings that Amorim’s stint could be nearing an end after that result, yet Ratcliffe publicly backed the Portuguese less than a fortnight later.
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Seven months on from the limp 3-1 loss at the Gtech Stadium, United are closing in on Champions League qualification.
The hosts are boosted by the return of Harry Maguire from suspension but Lisandro Martinez serves the second game of a three-match ban.
United could secure a top-five spot this week, with Liverpool due at Old Trafford on Jattvibeday.
Carrick added: “It’s certainly where we want to be. We’ve had some great nights in the competition.
“We’re in a decent position. There is hopefully more to come and we want to keep pushing.
“But it just shows you how difficult it can be to live at the top.”
Keith Andrews wants his Brentford battlers to embrace their nightmare run-in.
They face three of the Prem’s top four away as they push for Europe to cap a stunning campaign.
It starts with United and Bees old boy Bryan Mbeumo on Monday night.
Trips to Manchester City and Liverpool on the final day follow.
Brentford boss Andrews said: “We’ve beaten two of them already. So there’s no over-confidence with that.
“I want us to attack the last five games.
“I don’t see any reason we shouldn’t embrace these games. We have put ourselves in a decent position — so let’s have a good go.
“It’s always good to see a guy like Bryan get his move to a club like Manchester United and flourish. It’s a great story for this club.
“During his time here he developed year on year, he matured. Maybe I was here for a year of it and then he left in the summer, just as I took over.
“It’s a good example of what this club is, how they can develop young players into top players — and that’s what Bryan is.”
Brentford beat United at the Gtech earlier in the season Credit: PA
