Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s hopes of remaining at the club beyond the end of the season undoubtedly hinge on whether the team has a strong finish to the campaign.
With Celtic running away with things at the top of the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup and Europa League are Rangers’ only remaining hopes of winning silverware this term.
Clement’s side should safely navigate a home tie against Queen’s Park to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-finals and success in that competition is undoubtedly achievable.
However, the Europa League presents a different challenge, with Rangers likely to feature in the knockout round play-offs.
Their recent performance at Manchester United demonstrated why it would be foolish to dismiss Rangers’ chance of making a deep run in the competition.
As highlighted via Man Utd News, the Scottish Premiership giants were unfortunate not to take anything from their recent visit to Old Trafford.
Rangers caused the Red Devils plenty of problems and would have secured a point from the game but for Bruno Fernandes grabbing a late winner for the home side.
Despite the 2-1 defeat, Rangers can garner plenty of confidence after pushing the current favourites to lift the trophy all the way on their own patch.
The display added weight to the theory that Clement is capable of delivering success to Rangers if the club is prepared to remain patient.
Clement has received plenty of criticism from Rangers fans, but recent comments by chief executive officer Patrick Stewart suggests they may need to temper their short-term expectations.
"There's been a lot of talk about results, and about the manager, and I know that the spotlight is on (chairman) Fraser (Thornton) and myself, but particularly on me,” Stewart told Sky Sports.
“But that's the job, I'm okay with that. I need to make some tough decisions, it comes with the role, but I am committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones.
"Cutting to the chase, we are backing Philippe at this time as a board. It's about taking a deeper look at the issues, addressing those problems, and staying focused on building a stronger future.
"Changing a manager isn't a silver-bullet solution. You know where I've worked previously, and that isn't something that has been effective there, it's not effective at a lot of football clubs where there's constant change of manager.
Stewart’s comments about his previous experience at Man United are noteworthy given the how their fortunes have dipped in recent years.
Ruben Amorim’s appointment in November has not delivered immediate results, but there have already been signs that he will get things right.
United head into their upcoming Europa League game against FCSB knowing that a victory would guarantee their place in the last-16 of the competition.
That would represent progress for a club which has failed to live up to expectations since Sir Alex Ferguson ended his glittering managerial career.
Amorim will be given time to get United heading in the right direction again and Rangers will likely follow the same blueprint with Clement.
While winning the Scottish Cup and Europa League may be too much to ask, lifting just one of the trophies would strengthen Clement’s position at the club.
With a promising crop of youngsters coming through the ranks and the summer transfer window offering the chance to improve the squad, Rangers could head into next season in good shape.