Manchester United fans have been warned to prepare for more disappointment under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the club enduring one of its most difficult periods in recent history.
The Red Devils head into the international break sitting 18th in the Premier League following their worst-ever start to a campaign. Michael Carrick's side snatched a point in a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday thanks to Patrick Dorgu's 96th-minute leveller, but the result has done little to ease tensions at Old Trafford.
Owner's approach under scrutiny
Ratcliffe is nearing three years since acquiring a minority shareholding in the Premier League club. While many supporters initially welcomed the 74-year-old's involvement as a promising development, United have continued to go without silverware.
An anonymous former Premier League executive has suggested Ratcliffe's reluctance to take advice will condemn United to several more years of hardship. Speaking to ESPN, they said: "I don't think Jim listens to many people. In my experience, it takes about five years for owners to learn their lessons and take some responsibility. That's when humility starts to land. Up until year three or four, they are still putting the blame on what they inherited."
Carrick's future uncertain
Carrick's position remains uncertain heading into the break, with the 45-year-old facing mounting pressure following United's historically poor opening to the campaign. Talks amongst the club's senior figures, spearheaded by director of football Jason Wilcox, are understood to be scheduled for this week at Carrington.
One option being considered to reverse United's slide is recruiting Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks, according to TEAMtalk. The 43-year-old Englishman plays a crucial role in Vincent Kompany's setup in Germany, having previously served alongside Carrick at Middlesbrough. Danks' connection with the former Manchester City skipper dates back to their time together at Anderlecht, before he departed Belgium to join Aston Villa as an assistant under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.
United are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in an additional coach to bolster Carrick's backroom team should the manager stay in post, with his fate expected to dominate discussions at Carrington this week.
