Ralf Rangnick’s stint in the Manchester United dugout has appeared to predominantly revolve around him navigating from one potential crisis to another.
Now four months into his interim reign, Rangnick looks to have somewhat settled results on the field - if not the overall performances.
Still firmly in the battle for a top-four finish and deadlocked in their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid, there is still plenty to play for between now and when a permanent appointment is confirmed this summer.
However, regardless of results on the field, there are lingering reports of dressing room disharmony and uncertainty over the club’s current direction.
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One player who seems to be a lightning rod for criticism more than any other is current captain Harry Maguire.
After helping England to the Euro 2020 final just last summer, the central defender has struggled mightily both under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ralf Rangnick.
There have been calls for him to be stripped of the captaincy amid suggestions that his ability is being questioned by his teammates.
That’s something that - for now at least - Rangnick has strongly pushed back on, insisting that he is still the man to lead the side.
Asked about his status as captain last month, he said: “Harry was injured. He came back and had a good game against West Ham and I am pretty sure he can play at the same kind of level.
“The way we are playing now is new to him, also because in the English national team he is used to playing in a back three and here at Manchester United in a back four, but still not being as proactive with that kind of defence when we try and be on the front foot trying to defend.
“This is something new to him and it will take some time for him to get used to that and adjust to that.”
But suggestions that his place is being questioned by his own United colleagues is sure to bring back into focus the current leadership struggle within the confines of Carrington and Old Trafford.
Just last month, Mirror Sport revealed how there was a growing divide amongst players, with Cristiano Ronaldo asked to mentor the younger players in the squad over the current captain.
And Jadon Sancho has effectively confirmed that scenario, hinting that rather than Maguire, it is Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane whom the dressing room are looking up to.
"I’m here with a lot of great players and I’m learning from the best," he said this week. "You’ve got Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane… all these guys have won major trophies and just being in the changing room with them gives you a blessed feeling.
"I’m definitely learning from them, on and off the pitch, especially in terms of their recovery and how they make themselves better. I’m taking in all the information I can and trying to put it into my game."
The fact that two of the three players named by Sancho - Pogba and Ronaldo - could yet leave this summer, highlights the delicate situation and just how different the structure at Manchester United could be by the time next season starts.
But for now, with the next two months set to dictate the direction of the club for the incoming manager, it is pivotal that any issues are ironed out behind the scenes.
Rangnick could yet be left with few options but to make a significant change in order to unite his squad.
