Carrick and Ratcliffe share a brew as big Man Utd decision gets closer

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Michael Carrick had a "casual chat and a cup of tea" with Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week as a decision looms over whether he will get the manager's job on a permanent basis.

United have pledged to take their time before naming Ruben Amorim's successor.

However, if they beat Brentford at Old Trafford, the only requirement to secure a spot in next season's Champions League will be to not lose their final game of the season at Brighton - and even that would be a worst-case scenario.

In reality, the situation could be sorted before Carrick's side entertain Liverpool on 3 May.

Externally at least, questions will then start to get asked of United's powerbrokers around clarity on Carrick's future.

Whether Ratcliffe addressed that behind closed doors is unknown. However, for now, Carrick just underlined the normality of life at Carrington.

"He came in. We had a chat and a cup of tea," he said. "It was a casual chat, to be honest - quite informal. But it was nice to see him."

It is the kind of connection that has been absent for the majority of the Glazer family's involvement and Carrick feels it exists throughout the club.

"I'm really conscious that's how it should be," he said. "I am trying to do my part with that, as well as is everybody else.

"I've felt that since I've been here since for sure."