Ole Gunnar Solskjaer probably did not envision being two years into his dream job when he initially took over Manchester United as caretaker boss in December 2018, but he remains at the helm.
In his first half-season in charge, a famous and somewhat fortunate victory in the Champions League over Paris Saint-Germain papered over the cracks of a difficult campaign.
In his four European outings as boss that season, Solskjaer lost three of four, Manchester United failing to score in each of those defeats. Domestically, he did not fare much better, stabilising, but not improving on the sixth place he inherited the team in.
It is rather fitting then that Leeds United travel to Old Trafford this weekend, with Manchester United sitting in sixth. Throughout Solskjaer's two-year tenure, the team have performed well, but to say they have improved is a different question altogether.
A strong finish to the season in 2019-20 ensured Solskjaer's job remained safe and Manchester United qualified for the UEFA Champions League again, only to be knocked out in the Group Stage this month.
In fact, Solskjaer's Manchester United have rarely troubled the top four throughout his time as manager. In 2018-19, the team sat in the top four for just one week, while last season - despite finishing third - Manchester United were in the top four for just five weeks of the season.
This year, despite five wins in their last six league games, they are yet to breach the Champions League places, although that may be possible with a win over Leeds United.
The Whites will be determined not to let that happen, and whether they are aware of Solskjaer's two-year anniversary or not, will be looking to spoil the party.
Manchester United have already played out four five-goal thrillers this season, winning each one. 3-2 victories over Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Sheffield United should firstly remind Marcelo Bielsa of the mercurial attacking talent they possess, but also their defensive and structural frailties.
Leeds thrive in such contests, sparring battles of sorts. Their 4-3 opening day defeat to Liverpool highlighted that, as did the 5-2 win over Newcastle, and 4-3 triumph against Fulham.
Three clean sheets in thirteen league games indicates there is something Leeds can exploit. If it coincides with leaving a festive and buoyant Solskjaer cutting a sulky, sullen figure in the home dugout, all the better.
