Once the pressure builds on a manager, it's tough for it to subside.
Quite often, this process takes a few weeks. A string of poor results will see a club publicly backing their coach. This is usually a sign of impending doom, and if no improvement is made, a swift statement of the manager's departure usually follows.
This process is being drawn out across months at Manchester United, where Erik ten Hag struggles. Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford could be considered a new low when, really, it's just the latest low.
United had the perfect opportunity to get rid of Ten Hag in the summer. However, the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City clouded the board's eyes, making them forget just how terrible the Red Devils were throughout their awful run to eighth in the Premier League last season.
They now sit 12th in the table, with more losses than wins and a goal difference of minus-three after six games. Trips to FC Porto and Aston Villa are likely to make things worse in the coming days.
With that in mind, here are five potential replacements for Ten Hag who could thrive under the right conditions.
*Note, this is intended to be the 'best' available candidates for the role, not the 'most likely'. You won't see Gareth Southgate or Thomas Tuchel here.