Paul Merson has claimed he has as much chance of being Manchester United manager next season as current interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
The German has struggled to implement his tactical philosophy on a United squad that look out of sorts at a particularly crucial stage of the season as the race for a top four finish hots up.
The Red Devils conceded further ground in their pursuit of Champions League qualification on Saturday afternoon when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
It marked the third time in succession that United have drawn a clash 1-1, though the first came in the FA Cup fourth round where they were eventually dumped out on penalties by Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
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United now sit fifth in the Premier League, level on 40 points with fourth-placed West Ham United after 24 games played.
However, they are just one point in front of fellow top four rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, both of whom find themselves on 39 points but boast two and three games in hand respectively over the Red Devils.
Speaking to Sky Sports before United were held at home by Southampton, Merson dished out a scathing assessment of Rangnick's time at the helm so far.
Pressed on whether Rangnick will remain in charge beyond the end of the current campaign, Merson claimed: "No - 100 per-cent not, definitely not - I don't thinks so, I think I've got as much chance of being in charge.
"If you need United to move on - I read something that they've improved, I don't see that.
"I just don't see the happiness there, I hear so much coming out of United at the moment which is just extraordinary for me, it never happened before and that's my worry - I don't see him being there."
The plan for Rangnick has seemingly always been for him to steady the ship on the pitch this term before moving into a sporting director-style role for the next two seasons.
However, Merson began to speculate as to whether that plan will actually come to fruition.
"The way it is going at the moment, if they don't get into the top four I'll be shocked if he went upstairs.
"I know that's part of the deal now but it's not a good thing for me, I think this needs to be nipped in the bud sooner rather than later."
The former Arsenal star went on to lay the blame at the door of those above Rangnick in the United hierarchy.
"I just can't believe what United are doing, waiting until next season to bring in a new manager - there's a lot of work to be done at United this is not just bring a new manager in and 'let's go next season' - they are a million miles off.
"I think things have to change very quickly, I'd have had someone in as soon as possible.
"You pay £70, £80 million for football players and some of them don't even play - why wouldn't you break the bank for a manager? Some people may think they are not important but I think they are a must, a great manager makes a great team."
