Louis Saha shares the frustration of many Manchester United fans - and says they are simply too unpredictable.
United travel to arch rivals Manchester City tonight looking to maintain their fight for a top-four spot.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of the Red Devils ' current status in the English game is the fact that the biggest impact they can have on this season's title fight is to try and make a dent in City's quest for a second successive crown.
As well as mixed results on the pitch, there is plenty of uncertainty behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick going upstairs into a consultancy role once the season finishes.
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It makes predicting tonight's game at the Etihad an impossible task.
"It's been frustrating to watch," Saha tells Mirror Football , when quizzed on his old club's form of late.
"At times they play really, really well and then at times it seems they're not only lost but sometimes not fully committed.
"I would say the hardcore real fans with a great understanding of how big derby games are, they're scared because they don't know what side will turn up.
"And that's not normal.
"Obviously it's a transition again and they have an interim manager. I saw an interview with Fred recently and I agree that it's difficult when you know the manager isn't going to be there next year.
"So it's not easy but they still have an amazing squad. They possess enough tools and enough ammunition to hurt anybody.
"It just depends how they turn up (against City)."
Saha played in plenty of derbies in his four years at United, but that was in an era when City were not the noisy neighbours they now are.
He reflects: "It's more like a derby nowadays than when I was playing them. Back in the day, United were very dominant.
"But now City are of course full of internationals themselves with amazing players. They are special games and the local boys tend to really educate the foreigners.
"I just miss those moments, really I do."
The Frenchman played under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford. But since his retirement nine years ago, United have worked their way through a clutch of bosses both permanent and interim.
As for who's next in the hotseat, Saha elected one of his compatriots.
"It's really difficult throwing names about," Saha said, when asked over who his choice would be.
"My pick is Zinedine Zidane before he gets signed by another club or a national team! But it's difficult because you need someone who has the clear vision and is able to get going straight away.
"I know Rangnick has had a few issues, maybe because of his position not being fully solid. So it's really hard to manage at the moment.
"It's such a tough, tough position and job that anyone can make mistakes in."
Louis Saha was speaking to the Mirror in conjunction with William Hill.
