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Pepe Mel is already battling to save his job as West Brom boss after just six weeks in charge.

The former Real Betis coach is yet to win in six Premier League games, which has left Albion in a huge relegation fight.

And the 50-year-old Spaniard, who was only appointed on January 13, is now under intense pressure, with senior players having misgivings about his tactics and communication skills.

The Baggies face a crunch home game against Manchester United at The Hawthorns on Saturday March 8.

A heavy defeat for 17th-placed Albion in that one could spell the end for Mel as tough chairman Jeremy Peace is desperate to avoid the drop, but he is likely to be given until the following game, Swansea away, on March 15 to turn around the club’s plight.

Keith Downing and Dean Kiely are tailor-made replacements after a successful caretaker spell earlier this term following Steve Clarke’s sacking in December.

Several first-team players are already believed to want the pair, who are currently the assistant head coach and goalkeeping coach respectively, back in charge ASAP.

If Mel is axed, he would not be the first quick casualty this season as Fulham sacked Rene Meulensteen after only 75 days in charge.

Mel has currently been in charge for 44 days.

The Spaniard's bold new era of passing football and high-tempo pressing to win back possession is yet to convince the Baggies' dressing room.

Mel is a likeable man, but he arrived in January without in-depth knowledge of the English Premier League and many of the Albion players simply do not rate him.

MirrorSport understands there is also growing resentment in the squad building towards the expanding influence of Mel's training ground interpreter, Dave McDonough.

Spanish-speaking McDonough is officially West Brom's director of technical performance and scouting. His statistical analysis of Steve Clarke's reign in the 2013 calendar year – when Albion won just seven League games - encouraged chairman Jeremy Peace to pull the trigger in December.

Albion stars now view McDonough as Peace's mole and are anxious about saying anything in front of him.

McDonough's role has increased as Mel does not not speak fluent English, souses him to translate on the training ground and in the dressing room.

But McDonough is not popular - Albion's stars also blame him for a string of questionable signings such as ex-Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, who has not fitted into the dressing room.

While popular striker Shane Long was sold in January to Hull, where he has already scored twice.

Albion finished eighth last season relying on a consistent core of players including Gareth McAuley, Jonas Olsson, Steven Reid, Ben Foster, Liam Ridgewell, Chris Brunt, Claudio Yacob, James Morrison and Youssouf Mulumbu.

Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku was also pivotal with 17 League goals but did not return to The Hawthorns - it was a massive blow when he opted for Everton instead.

The Baggies could soon be another striker down soon if Anelka – currently engaged in an FA disciplinary hearing – is banned for his 'quenelle' gesture.

Neither Anelka or any of Albion's other new signings - £6million Sessegnon, Diego Lugano, Victor Anichebe and Morgan Amalfitano - have established themselves as regulars in the side.

And the loyal long-term members of the dressing room have questioned the new recruits' commitment and attitude.

The loss of capable and respected sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth to the FA in September 2012 as director of elite development was a huge blow from which Albion have never recovered.

His replacement, Richard Garlick, is a rookie, which has enabled McDonough to step into the vacuum and create a powerbase close to the chairman, who has an office at the training ground.

McDonough, who previously worked at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, pushed hard for Mel to replace Clarke and recommended several other Spanish coaches, too.

Now, after Mel's struggles and the failure of summer signings to make a significant impact, a review of Albion’s scouting set-up is being pondered.

Changes are likely behind the scenes but Mel himself could go if Albion fail to win in either of their next two games.

Mel faces a growing groundswell of opinion in the dressing room that assistants Downing and Kiely should be restored to the helm.

The pair are both very popular with players and distinguished themselves with a four-game unbeaten run over Christmas as caretakers after Clarke was dismissed.

But it would be a major U-turn and an embarrassment to Peace if he has to axe Mel so soon and restore Downing and Kiely.

It is a growing possibility though, as Peace cannot afford relegation with the club's wage bill currently running at a record high.

Albion used to be known as a model club and a blueprint for others as they established themselves in the top-flight on the cheap, but their credibility in the game, as well as their Premier League status, is now on the line.

West Brom have declined the opportunity to comment.