Ruben Amorim's position at Manchester United has become increasingly precarious, with his fractured relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox contributing to what insiders describe as an unpredictable situation at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese head coach had understood the club would support him financially during the January window if a significant target emerged, but this stance has since shifted, leaving him frustrated.
Wilcox, who answers to chief executive Omar Berrada, is believed to have communicated this change in approach to the 40-year-old, according to The Guardian.
Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees United's football operations, previously declaring that Amorim deserved three years to demonstrate his capabilities, doubts about the former Sporting Lisbon boss have reportedly emerged among senior figures at the club.
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These concerns predated his remarkable outburst following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road, where Matheus Cunha's equaliser cancelled out Brenden Aaronson's opener to keep United sixth.
In a passionate press conference, Amorim declared: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United not to be the coach of Manchester United. That is clear.
"I know my name is not Tuchel, Mourinho or Conte but I'm the manager."
Ruben Amorim didn't mince his words in the aftermath of Manchester United's draw with Leeds
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Five things to know about Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim | PAHe pointedly called on the scouting department and sporting director "to do their job" before stating: "Every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on."
The head coach insisted he would not resign, adding: "I'm not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."
Tensions had been building before Sunday's confrontation. On Christmas Eve, Amorim remarked: "I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3 we need to spend a lot of money and need time. I'm starting to understand that is not going to happen."
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Relations between Jason Wilcox and Ruben Amorim have become strained at Manchester United
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When pressed on Friday about whether budget changes or conversations with Wilcox had prompted these comments, he responded cryptically: "I don't want to talk about that. You are very smart."
The situation surrounding Kobbie Mainoo illustrates the internal divisions at the club. The 20-year-old midfielder, currently sidelined through injury, has fallen out of favour under Amorim and is yet to start a Premier League match this campaign.
However, the hierarchy remains reluctant to sell him, believing he could still prove his worth to Amorim or any future manager.
The power dynamics at Old Trafford appear to favour Wilcox, who as Berrada's appointment is believed to enjoy greater backing from the chief executive.
Amorim is viewed internally as temperamental, adding further uncertainty to his tenure.
Whether he remains in charge has yet to be determined, despite his public declaration that he will not walk away.
Matheus Cunha struck to earn Manchester United a 1-1 draw with Leeds
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His official job title is head coach rather than manager, a distinction that appears to have become a point of contention.
Additionally, Christopher Vivell, United's head of recruitment, has reportedly raised questions about Amorim's tactical approach.
The Portuguese also took aim at external criticism during his press conference, stating: "If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club."
Several names have been linked with the job should Amorim end up departing.
Xavi Hernandez, who used to manage Barcelona, is one candidate in the frame to take over.
Oliver Glasner, Michael Carrick, Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola could all come under consideration as well.