Ruben Amorim's recent emotional outbursts have reflected a man possibly trying to talk his way out of Manchester United.
Following United's loss to Manchester City last weekend, he even said that the club would have to sack him to change their system.
Amorim being sacked could be a real possibility, with reports emerging that he will be shown the door if results do not improve before the next international break.
If this is the case, then the United manager has just three games to save his job: fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and then Sunderland.
Chelsea will be a tough game, as they are the Club World Cup champions. Brentford managed to secure a draw against the Blues last Saturday, so that game will also pose a challenge for United.
The Red Devils' only win this season came against newly promoted Burnley, but that did require a late Bruno Fernandes penalty.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Sunderland have also just been promoted from the Championship, but have impressed so far back in the Premier League, where they are currently in seventh place.
Who are the contenders to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United?
According to the Mirror, "Among the candidates to replace Amorim are Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, former England head coach Gareth Southgate, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.
"Ex-Tottenham boss and current USA head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, linked with the United job when (Erik) Ten Hag was appointed, is also in the frame to take over at Old Trafford."
Glasner could be difficult to poach from Palace, but the manager will be growing frustrated by the club's recent transfer activity. Eberechi Eze has left for Arsenal, and Marc Guehi is expected to leave when his contract expires next summer.
Southgate has been linked with the United job since he started impressing with England. He took the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, but it remains to be seen if he can translate this to the club game.
Silva has done a great job with Fulham, taking them up from the Championship and establishing them in the Premier League. The same goes for Iraola, who worked wonders with Bournemouth last season.
The Cherries have even had a great start to this season, winning their last three games. This is despite the club selling many of their top players, including Dean Huijsen, to Real Madrid.
Pochettino is an unrealistic target for now, as he will be leading the United States to the World Cup, which they are co-hosting next summer.
Manchester United news and related links
"We need Kobbie", Amorim says as the midfielder requests a loan move
Former United stars slam Ruben Amorim & Co. after crushing Manchester derby loss
Portuguese side could offer Ruben Amorim an escape from Manchester United