Manchester United are left in a dilemma; they were not intent on sacking Erik ten Hag but now it has emerged the boss could choose to part ways this summer.
If the club have to offload Ten Hag - regardless of whether or not they win the FA Cup - here is a look at some pros and cons.
PROS
INEOS can get their preferred candidate
INEOS has undertaken several big changes at a hierarchy level; a new sporting director will be appointed while roles for the CEO and technical director have already been filled.
There were reports of Sir Jim Ratcliffe preferring to appoint a head coach, who is focused only on coaching rather than being a manager.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, wishes to be involved in transfers as well - this could jeopardise Ratcliffe's plans of streamlining transfer decisions through the sporting director.
Opportunity to build a new squad
If a new manager comes in, the upcoming summer window would be ideal to build a new squad.
Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial are already confirmed to leave; more players unhappy with game time could follow.
Doing so would free up place for more signings, who could add to building the team around Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo, for example.
If the coach gets the opportunity to set up his team, that potentially guarantees more success.
CONS
Player power prevails again
It's not unheard of at Man United for managers to be sacked after a series of poor performances from the players.
Before these managers are sacked, rumours of squad unrest and whatnot dominate headlines. A similar situation is brewing with Ten Hag; there have been reports of fallouts with players as well as discord in the dressing room.
If Ten Hag is indeed sacked and the players are not held accountable, there seems to be a rise of player power at the club. That's exactly the opposite of what Man United stand for.
Not enough time given
Ten Hag could win the FA Cup this season, meaning he'd end two seasons at Man United with two trophies (he won the League Cup last year). That's still better than any of the previous appointments.
It could also be argued that the majority of the poor performances were not solely his fault. Players downing their tools and injuries have wreaked havoc - the constant chopping and changing of personnel have not helped either.
Sends out wrong message
That brings us to the next point - remember a time when Chelsea were notorious for changing managers after barely giving them one season?
Well, Man United are close to becoming that and that's not a nice reputation to have for a struggling team.
Even Sir Alex Ferguson struggled in his first few seasons before rewriting Man United's history books forever. Could you imagine if he was not given enough time?
Could deter other managers from joining
Already, there are whispers that potential managerial targets for Man United are skeptical about joining, thanks to the overpouring criticism from former players.
No other club's ex-players scrutinise and share their opinions, sometimes very strong, on every single decision out of the club.
If Ratcliffe does sack Ten Hag at the end of the season, it could deter other candidates from joining.
After all, no one would want to join a club without long-term trust from owners when the former players leave no chance to criticise things.
