Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United future could be determined by the Red Devils' result against Liverpool in 10 days time.
That's according to former Reds striker Emile Heskey, who says facing Liverpool at such a difficult point in the season is as much a "curse" as it is a blessing for the Norwegian.
United have started the season poorly and sit two points off the relegation zone after eight games played.
Last time out they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Newcastle, and Solskjaer's side are in desperate need of a win to turn things around.
United's next game is against European champions Liverpool, who are unbeaten this season and eight points clear at the top of the table.
And Heskey fears that defeat could spell disaster for Solskjaer.
"I look at it as you're always a run of 10 disappointing games away from being sacked and Solskjaer is potentially eight games in to that now, so it could be that he's got two more games to really try and get the confidence back up," Heskey told bwin.
"The Liverpool game could be as much a curse as a blessing for him.
If United beat Liverpool then it could install confidence in to the team and they could go on a run. When you look at where Liverpool are at the moment and where United are, it's hard to see how United are going to get anything from this game.
"I can't imagine any of the United players are going to be looking forward to it, while Liverpool will be raring to go."
He added: "Hopefully Solskjaer will be given the time to rectify the situation at United, but managers just aren't given the time these days.
"He's probably got another four or five games left and if the club isn't looking in a better position, then a decision is going to have to be made.
"It's a really difficult situation, as he started off being hailed as a messiah of great hope, but it turned sour almost overnight.
"There's usually a decline over a certain period, but it almost happened immediately and now United are in a very tough place.
