David Moyes' days as Manchester United manager appear to be numbered.
Moyes has reportedly lost the support of United's owners - the Glazer family - and his contract is expected to be terminated.
United insisted that Moyes was still their manager on Monday, but refused to deny widespread reports the Scot was to be dismissed.
In previous weeks, officials behind the scenes have knocked down similar stories, so their refusal to do so this time is perhaps telling.
All eyes will be on United's training ground in Carrington to see if Moyes turns up for work on Tuesday morning.
Should the Scot not take training, his position would come under further scrutiny.
Former captain Gary Neville, who made over 600 appearances for United, wants the club to clear up the situation.
"Usually they don't comment on anything, but they're going to have to clarify this position quickly," Neville told Sky Sports.
"They might have to break rank and do what they don't normally do and make a statement pretty quickly."
If Moyes' 10-month reign is finally brought to an end on Tuesday, there will be no shortage of takers for the position.
Jurgen Klopp, Laurent Blanc and Louis van Gaal have the credentials to succeed, but perhaps a more popular choice would be to install Ryan Giggs, who is part of Moyes' backroom staff having started taking his coaching badges earlier this season.
There is a perception among United fans that Giggs, perhaps along with Paul Scholes or Nicky Butt, could restore some pride and passion to the United dressing room after what has been a truly woeful season under Moyes.
The list of unwanted records broken during Moyes' time at the helm is as embarrassing as it is long.
United will end the season with their lowest points total in Premier League history, they have not qualified for the Champions League for the first time in almost two decades and their home record this season is the worst since 1978.
The Red Devils, who won the title by 11 points under Sir Alex Ferguson last year, are seventh in the Barclays Premier League with four matches left.
In the immediate aftermath of United's 11th league defeat of the season, Moyes seemed unaware pressure on his shoulders was growing.
"We need to end the season on a high," the 50-year-old told MUTV after the 2-0 loss at Everton. "We want to win all our games.
"We'll do everything we possibly can to make that happen."
Neville urged United not to follow the trend of other clubs who hire and fire every season, and instead allow Moyes the chance to show what he can do.
He said: "I genuinely believe when you give a man a six-year contract that he deserves the opportunity and time and professionally the respect.
"Football is a world of madness. The average manager gets sacked every 12 months and I've always felt Manchester United should be different, hold themselves up as a club that basically stands against what's happening in the game.
"We used to laugh at Italy 20 years ago and say it's ridiculous what's happening there. Now we've almost become accustomed to it.
"I'm hoping the club will come out and clarify it, and maybe it won't be true."
Source: PA
