Man United latest: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's worrying timeline emerges as Michael Carrick plots next move

United languish in 18th place after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa; Carrick's future uncertain as hierarchy plans contingencies and considers adding Bayern Munich assistant Aaron Danks to the backroom staff.

Manchester United drew 4-4 with Aston Villa on Sunday, with Patrick Dorgu equalising in the 96th minute, but the result does little to ease the crisis at Old Trafford. United are in 18th place, enduring their worst top-flight start in club history heading into the international break.

Michael Carrick's position as head coach is under severe pressure. The club's hierarchy, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, has scheduled talks at Carrington this week to discuss Carrick's future and potential changes to the backroom team.

An unnamed former Premier League executive told ESPN that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's reluctance to take advice could leave United struggling for years, suggesting it typically takes owners three to five years to learn from their mistakes.

One proposal being considered is recruiting Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks, 43, to bolster Carrick's coaching setup. Danks previously worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough and has experience at Aston Villa and Anderlecht.