Is It Time for the Axe? Premier League Managers on the Hot Seat

Could Michael Carrick of Manchester United be the first Premier League manager to face the chop this season? It’s a thought that’ll surely weigh heavy on Carrick’s mind, especially after his team’s recent Champions League setback against Como. But he’s not alone in feeling the heat; several managers across the league are nervously glancing over their shoulders as the notorious 'sacking season' approaches. Last year, the average tenure for Premier League managers who were relieved of their duties was just 310 days. That’s hardly a long stretch to implement their vision, secure desired signings, and connect with the fans. In the previous 2025-26 season, 11 managers were shown the door, with only Chelsea's Enzo Maresca resigning voluntarily. So far this season, all 20 managers are still in their roles, but with the clock ticking, who might be at risk? The traditional peak for managerial departures falls in November and December, with nearly a third of all exits occurring during these months. Historical trends show that club boards often opt for changes around international breaks and just before the winter transfer window opens. One of the more infamous firings was Charlton Athletic's Les Reed, who was let go on Christmas Eve in 2006 after just one win in seven matches. His brief 40-day tenure was the shortest until Sam Allardyce set a new record last season with just 30 days at Leeds United. Big names have also fallen in November, such as Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo in 2012 and Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021. Di Matteo had led Chelsea to a Champions League title just months prior, but it wasn’t enough to save his job amid a rocky start. December has seen José Mourinho part ways with two clubs; once in 2015 with Chelsea and again in 2018 at Manchester United. Last season's average of 310 days for departing managers was the second-lowest in Premier League history, showing a downward trend in managerial patience. This season, nine clubs started with new permanent managers, and five of them currently languish in the bottom half of the table. With relegation posing serious financial threats and the constant chatter on social media, clubs are less inclined to show lenience with struggling managers. While no manager has yet been dismissed this season, several are feeling the pressure. Carrick’s situation has intensified after a painful 4-1 defeat to Como, leading to criticism from both fans and players. After Lisandro Martinez’s comments about the club’s hierarchy, Bruno Fernandes openly questioned Carrick's tactics, suggesting discontent within the locker room. Match of the Day pundit Nedum Onuoha remarked on the divide, stating, "Bruno Fernandes thinks the tactics were essentially wrong in this game, while Michael Carrick thinks the players weren’t running enough for the tactics to work out." When such rifts emerge, it becomes challenging to maintain team morale behind the manager. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Roberto de Zerbi has eased the pressure with consecutive wins, moving the team to 12th, while Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa has found some relief with back-to-back victories. However, Nottingham Forest's Oliver Glasner and Sunderland's Regis le Bris are likely feeling anxious about their positions. Bournemouth's Marco Rose hasn’t had a great start but may breathe easier after a midweek win against AC Milan. Crystal Palace's Pierre Sage, however, is in a precarious spot after a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton, having only just joined the club four months ago. As the season progresses, it may seem premature to discuss managerial job security, but history suggests that the axe could fall sooner than expected.