Premier League: four managers first in line after five games
No one has been dismissed yet after five games, but De Zerbi, Carrick, Sage and Arbeloa are the likeliest first casualties.
The Premier League season has reached the first international break with no managerial dismissals so far, but four coaches stand out as the likeliest early casualties: Roberto De Zerbi, Michael Carrick, Pierre Sage and Álvaro Arbeloa. The situation has hardened during the opening five fixtures and club boards will use the next weeks to assess whether to act. (26.09.2026 22:20). ([oddschecker.com](https://www.oddschecker.com/insight/football/20260921-next-premier-league-manager-sacked-odds-de-zerbi-carrick-in-trouble?utm_source=openai))
Tottenham’s start under Roberto De Zerbi has been particularly alarming: after five league games the team has only managed two draws and has scored only two goals, leaving the club bottom of the table and the coach under heavy scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike. ([britball.net](https://britball.net/apps/en/tottenham-are-sinking-under-de-zerbi-what-has-gone-wrong-and-are-they-in-danger-of-relegation/2026-09-19-9799?utm_source=openai))
At Fulham Álvaro Arbeloa also feels the heat. Fulham’s early results mirror some of Tottenham’s problems, although the Cottagers have found the net more often — the club even looked set for a win against Manchester United before letting it slip — and there are signs Arbeloa could steady the ship if performances improve. Arbeloa was appointed head coach in July 2026. ([fulhamfc.com](https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/07/alvaro-arbeloa-appointed-fulham-head-coach/?utm_source=openai))
Pierre Sage, the recently appointed Crystal Palace head coach, has seen mixed reactions in south London as results have failed to match pre-season optimism; Palace’s new coaching project is still young, but supporters and local media are already weighing outcomes. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/13552705/crystal-palace-pierre-sage-appointed-new-manager-as-he-leaves-rc-lens-to-replace-oliver-glasner-at-selhurst-park?utm_source=openai))
Michael Carrick at Manchester United faces dwindling leeway after a stuttering start. United’s points tally after five matches is among their joint-worst in recent Premier League history, and pressure from fans and columnists has intensified as the club prepares for the long break. ([soccernews.com](https://www.soccernews.com/carrick-understands-jeers-from-man-utd-fans-after-mainoo-substitution/405162/?utm_source=openai))
Who appears safe for now
Other managers look more secure: Enzo Maresca, David Moyes, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Régis Le Bris, Oliver Glasner, Gary O'Neil, Xabi Alonso, Matthias Jaissle, Andoni Iraola, Sergej Jakirović and Daniel Farke are all named among coaches who, for the moment, are not immediate candidates for dismissal. Clubs with poor starts may still change course later in the season, but the first sack — if it comes — is likely to be one of the four highlighted above.
Photo: press material from the event
