Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal offered to resign after Saturday's defeat, according to a report in The Guardian.
In response, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward asked the Dutchman to discuss his future with his family while he visited his homeland over the past two days, according to the report.
The pair are set to meet again on Tuesday when Van Gaal returns for training after taking some time away in the Netherlands for his daughter's birthday.
Van Gaal said after Saturday's 1-0 loss to Southampton that the fans at Old Trafford were "right to boo" him as his team only recorded one shot on target in the latest in a series of setbacks that has United five points adrift of the Champions League spots.
On Boxing Day, Van Gaal responded to questions about his future by saying "I can also quit by myself."
Then this week, the Times reported that Woodward had to talk the 64-year-old out of quitting twice in the festive period between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2.
The Guardian also reported that Woodward is reluctant to hire another manager before the season's end.
Woodward also has complete authority over the decision to part ways with Van Gaal, with the backing of the Glazer family who own the club. Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has not been part of any discussions, the report says.
Man United next travel to Championship side Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday, before hosting Stoke in the Premier League next Tuesday. But whether Van Gaal is still the manager by then is still to be determined.