Manchester United fans might had anticipated a managerial change this week, if not for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's traditional party piece at the weekend.
In the three times it has looked like he might lose his job in charge at Old Trafford the baby-faced assassin has produced his lethal touch to kill-off suggestions of unrest and appease fans with big wins.
The weekend triumph at Everton wasn't as emphatic as those wins over Tottenham and Man City in the same week last December, nor does it seem as season-defining as signing Bruno Fernandes earlier this year, but like both instances, it looks to have bought Solskjaer more precious time to prove his worth.
United's main concern is that almost two years after his appointment the same issues are repeating themselves under Solskjaer, with exceptional wins soon followed by unacceptable defeats. One week they appear to have turned a corner, the next it transpires they are only going around in circles.
MEN Sport revealed last week United have approached Mauricio Pochettino with a view to him becoming the next manager, although it must be emphasised the club still back Solskjaer given it is so early into the season.
A possible deal for Pochettino is made more attractive given the fact United would not have to pay former employers Tottenham a compensation fee because the deadline passed in May.
Just as the club lined up Solskjaer to replace Jose Mourinho as caretaker manager in mid-October 2018 - two months before United dismissed the Portuguese - it is no real surprise to learn of a similar approach with Pochettino. However, unlike last time they aren't the only contenders.
Domestic form has rejuvenated spirits at Paris Saint-Germain but last week's defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League leaves the French champions facing the very real prospect of a humiliating group stage exit. Such a fall from grace for last season's runners-up would pile the pressure on Thomas Tuchel with former PSG player Pochettino a front-runner for such a vacancy.
Likewise pressure is growing on Zinedine Zidane in Spain after Real Madrid were thumped 4-1 by Valencia in La Liga on Sunday evening. The Spanish side have already endured embarrassing defeats to Cadiz and Shakhtar this season, with the calls for change growing as we enter the international break.
Celta Vigo became the first La Liga side to part company with a manager as they sacked Oscar Garcia on Monday morning and it could lead the way for Real Madrid to follow suit. Such a decision would surely leave Pochettino with another interesting job proposal to consider.
Then there is the Man City factor. Pep Guardiola's long-term future at the club remains in doubt with the Argentine coach seen as a leading candidate to replace him if the opportunity were to arise.
City will be hoping Guardiola commits to a new contract at the Etihad Stadium but until he does so there needs to be contingency plan in place for a worst case scenario.
It all makes the Pochettino interest that bit more pressing, with United well aware the manager won't be waiting around forever for a possible rescue call to come in.
United are right to touch base with Pochettino in case of possible managerial change, but it risks being all for nothing if they don't give him a definitive answer soon.
