Ralf Rangnick came in to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United back in December on an interim deal until the end of the season.
The German is poised to step aside when the season ends and take up a consultancy role.
He will play a part in appointing his successor whilst also offering his opinion on player recruitment.
Rangnick's inside role will no doubt make his opinion that much more valuable as he seeks to make United the force of old, but what he has learned so far may not be good news for some of the current players.
Gary Neville believes having the German in and around the dressing room will be advantageous long-term.
He said on Sunday: "You imagine what he's doing now is information gathering. He's come in with a six-month contract with a view to consulting for the next two years on restructuring the club.
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"He's going to pass on the information.
"United have thought well this guy is going to come in and do restructuring behind the scenes, we'll actually put in him for five months until the end of the season, view the club from the inside, within the dressing room, see what the players are like."
Rangnick suffered only the second defeat of his tenure in Sunday's Manchester derby, but has certainly had to deal with his fair share of issues.
We take a look at some key takeaways the 63-year-old will have noticed at Old Trafford.
Lack of group harmony
A United loss and dressing room leaks seem to go hand in hand these days.
Whether it is players looking to leave, upset by their lack of game time, questioning the coaching appointments or not getting on full stop.
Several of United's top guns have been linked with the exit door whilst captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were reportedly at loggerheads recently.
This problem dates back to the latter end of Solskjaer's era when results began to nosedive.
A disjointed dressing room makes success near on impossible and Rangnick will not have missed the apparent lack of cohesiveness.
A mixed squad
The German has had to work with what he's got since arriving in Manchester. In fact, he even trimmed the squad by letting some players leave in January.
What he's been left with is a group of players whom don't all suit one philosophy - which is simply a result of allowing different managers to make their own signings.
The next manager who comes in will have to commit to a clear strategy - one that aligns with the vision of the club.
That way, changes in the dugout will not undermine what has come before, allowing the hierarchy to sign players knowing that any manager is capable of employing a similar strategy.
Up for the fight
It is not easy getting the dynamics right in a dressing room. It requires a unique blend of leaders, big personalities and a collective want to strive for the same goal.
To be accused of "giving up" is about as bad as it gets for a player - but that was the theme following Sunday's loss at the Etihad.
Images of players with their heads slumped and consistent infighting has become synonymous with United's season.
Those who would be expected to set the standard - like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes - have been criticised for bemoaning their teammates' actions when the tide has gone against them.
The shining lights
For all the negatives that have surrounded United's season there have been players who will go in to next season, likely with a new manager, with a glowing review.
Whether that be for their on-pitch performances or how they've applied themselves behind the scenes.
David de Gea has enjoyed his best season for several years and has calmed any talk of Dean Henderson replacing him as first choice.
Jadon Sancho has overcome a slow start with steady improvements and rarely rocks the boat. Diogo Dalot has taken his opportunity at right-back after being forced to play second fiddle to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Anthony Elanga has also emerged from the youth team to show he can play a significant role in the club's future.
At Carrington, others have no doubt have rallied despite the overall struggles of the team, which Rangnick will have certainly noted.
