Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'finally learning what football is about' after Man United deal completed - expert
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(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media) Sun 24 May 2026 11:54, UK Sir Jim Ratcliffe is learning that stability in football is important after giving Michael Carrick the chance to be Manchester United’s permanent manager.That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, after Man United confirmed the appointment of Carrick on a two-year deal.Man United have the option to extend Carrick’s deal by a further year after the 44-year-old impressed Ratcliffe during his spell in interim charge.Carrick delivered Champions League qualification for the Red Devils following a run of just two defeats since he took interim charge in January.Despite Man United exploring other managerial targets, it would have been tough for Ratcliffe to ignore what Carrick has achieved during his time in the dugout so far. 👔 Man United Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the Old Trafford dugout with real-time updates on shortlist candidates and Ineos boardroom strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Sir Jim Ratcliffe should be ‘grateful’ to Michael CarrickEverton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks Man United would have made a mistake not appointing Carrick.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Carrick’s appointment could bring “morale” back to the club.Games Managed16Games Won11Games Drawn3Games Lost2Michael Carrick’s managerial record in charge of Manchester United this season in all competitions.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Ratcliffe again, I’ll say one last time, he’s escaped and he’s got lucky, thanks to Michael Carrick.“Ratcliffe should be very grateful and at least Carrick’s got the job.
If they’d been flirting with other managers, like Julian Nagelsmann, it would have been wrong.“This is the right way forward for Man United, and they can start to rebuild with some bit of stability now for next season and try and get things right. Let’s see if they can restore some morale behind the scenes after all these job losses and all the turmoil.“Maybe Ratcliffe is finally learning what football is about and how he’s got to keep some stability there, but I’ll be watching him like a hawk in the coming months.”Man United begin the summer by recording big lossMan United’s summer transfer activity has already begun as striker Rasmus Hojlund will be joining Napoli on a permanent deal.As part of the loan deal, Napoli’s qualification for next season’s Champions League means they have activated the clause to sign Hojlund for a fee of £38million.Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man United will be making a heavy loss on Hojliund’s move to Napoli.The 23-year-old joined Man United for £72m in 2023, but he only scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for the club.
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