Manchester United could be facing more pain ahead but must be wary of sacking manager Jose Mourinho, according to former defender Gary Neville.
Both United managers who immediately followed Sir Alex Ferguson departed when they missed out on the top four, but the club is still struggling to return to former glories.
David Moyes exited United after just 10 months when the top four was beyond them -- then Louis van Gaal survived one season as they came fourth, but was axed last season after a fifth-placed finish.
Speaking at the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Awards 2016 at the Midland Hotel, Neville said: "It's going to take some time for United to get through this thing of sacking managers if they don't come in fourth.
"They have to really live with Mourinho now and hopefully it will work and he can get it right because we need some stability there.
"I thought United would settle down quicker than they have with the new signings. They haven't. It looks like it's still going to be a bit painful.
"Mourinho has always been about picking his best XI and he will deliver the win. He has had to change it constantly and he doesn't know his best team yet."
Mourinho's side are sixth in the Premier League after the opening 11 fixtures, six points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, who they face next on Nov. 19 at Old Trafford.