Michael Carrick was given no timescale and no certainty by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward when asked to step in as manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal.
There are then four days until Arsenal visit Old Trafford on 2 December and by then some clarity will surely have emerged around what, to outsiders at least, appears a pretty confused picture.
BBC Sport analyses the factors United's hierarchy are wrestling with as they seek to ultimately appoint a manager who can bring success back to the club.
Why do Manchester United want an interim boss?
In their statement confirming Solskjaer's exit, United said they were looking to appoint an "interim manager" to the end of the season.