Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lasted longer in the job than some of his predecessors, and a difficult run this season has seen questions asked of his suitability for the role.
United sit outside the top four in the Premier League, while they have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and have made hard work of a Champions League group featuring Atalanta, Villarreal and Young Boys.
There have been calls for the Norwegian's dismissal, not least in the aftermath of a 5-0 home defeat against Liverpool in October, but Solskjaer still has the backing of many at the club and outside it.
Former team-mates have come to his defence, too, with one-time United striker Louis Saha making the case for why Solskjaer has been given more time than others.
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Solskjaer had already been at Old Trafford for a number of years as a player when Saha joined the club in January 2004.
The pair were on the same pitch on a number of occasions during the 2003-04 season and beyond, including the infamous Champions League exit to Jose Mourinho's Porto.
And the French forward, who played more than 100 games for United, has explained why he feels there has been more patience around his former colleague.
"Ole will still have respect after bad performances because there is some connection," Saha told gamblingdeals.com.
"He understands the fans, he understands what the expectation is, the culture, the style of play the player and club needs.
"So for that, he has improved the team and nobody can challenge that."
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Saha described the United job as a "different animal," citing the issues faced by his former Everton boss David Moyes upon moving to Old Trafford, and suggested there is a good reason why Solskjaer has been given more patience than his predecessors.
"Those managers had different ways and were different characters, that’s fair to them with their success and pedigree, but it wasn’t working as much," the former France international said.
"The atmosphere at work is way better. So for that, the fans recognised that and gave him more time and respect. Same for the staff themselves."
Solskjaer has taken charge of more Manchester United games than any of Moyes, Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho.
After a midweek draw with Atalanta - secured by a late Cristiano Ronaldo equaliser - his team is up against Manchester City this weekend.
Victory on Saturday would move United level on points with their neighbours, but a defeat could see them enter the international break outside the Premier League's top six.
