Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned his Manchester United team must show progress by the end of the season or face the sack.
The United boss retains the backing of the board – but he has been told improvement is necessary once all his players return to fitness.
United remain six points adrift of fourth spot after Wednesday’s abject 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley , which saw fans turn on the the Glazer family, who own the club.
But they and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, also a target of terrace taunts, recognise the problems Solskjaer has as the Red Devils' manager.
Top scorer Marcus Rashford, club record signing Paul Pogba and first-choice central midfielder Scott McTominay face long spells out injured.
As a result the squad is being stretched to the limit, with youngsters such as Brandon Williams, Dan James and Mason Greenwood forced to play more than expected.
Solskjaer will be cut some slack, but is expected to stay in the hunt for a Champions League place and push on when key men return.
United's current total of 34 points is their lowest at this stage since the 1989-90 season and six fewer than David Moyes managed after 24 games.
Moyes was sacked four games from the end of his first season in charge, and while Solskjaer is not at that stage yet, he will be on borrowed time if he cannot turn things around.
Former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite to succeed Solskjaer, who bookmakers have now installed as the favourite to be the next Premier League boss sacked.
