The Premier League is already producing plenty of managerial pressure, with several coaches facing uncertain futures as the season develops. While some have more breathing room than others, a prolonged run of poor results could quickly change the situation. Here are five Premier League managers who could be sacked in 2027 if their teams fail to improve.
5. Unai Emery
Unai Emery is easily the most unlikely manager on this list, despite Aston Villa's shockingly poor start to the Premier League season.
Emery has already established himself as one of the most successful managers in Villa's recent history, making any talk of his dismissal seem premature. However, football can change quickly, and Villa's poor beginning has raised questions about whether he can rebuild the team once again after several key players were sold in the summer transfer window.
Their recent victory against Tottenham could prove to be a turning point. It was an important reminder that Emery still has the tactical ability to get Villa moving in the right direction.
Nevertheless, never say never. If Villa return to their losing ways and the situation becomes uncontrollable, even Emery could eventually find himself under serious pressure.
4. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard has endured the worst start among the promoted clubs in the Premier League so far, leaving his position vulnerable if results do not improve.
There was, however, a major reason for optimism after his side produced a shock victory against Glasner's Nottingham Forest. The result could potentially provide the confidence needed to kick-start their season.
But one victory will not be enough.
Lampard needs to build on that result quickly and demonstrate that his team can consistently compete at Premier League level. If the improvement fails to materialise and his side continues struggling, the pressure could intensify considerably in the coming months.
3. Álvaro Arbeloa
Fulham currently sit 19th in the Premier League, although their latest victory against Manchester United has provided a much-needed boost.
Despite their poor position, there are promising signs under Álvaro Arbeloa. The manager is clearly attempting to establish a distinct pattern of play, and glimpses of that approach have been visible even during some of Fulham's defeats.
The problem is that results ultimately determine a manager's future.
If Arbeloa cannot get his ideas implemented quickly enough and Fulham's position continues to deteriorate, the club could eventually decide that a change is necessary. The Manchester United victory gives him some breathing room, but he needs to turn encouraging performances into points.
2. Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham have shown promising signs during open play, but their problems in front of goal and concerning mentality could eventually put the manager in serious trouble.
Spurs have struggled badly with their finishing, while their inability to maintain consistency has made their performances particularly frustrating. De Zerbi needs to address those issues quickly before they become too difficult to overcome.
Importantly, Tottenham's hierarchy backed him heavily during the transfer window, giving him considerable support and resources to build the squad he wanted.
That also means expectations are high.
De Zerbi is likely to be given time, but he must utilise the backing he has received and turn his team's potential into results. If that does not happen, his position could become increasingly difficult to defend.
1. Michael Carrick
Our No.1 pick is Michael Carrick whose potential Manchester United sack increasingly looks like an impending disaster waiting to happen.
United's start has been worryingly similar to the struggles that ultimately contributed to previous managerial sackings, including those of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. The familiar pattern of poor results, inconsistent performances and growing pressure around the manager makes Carrick's situation particularly concerning.
Unless something changes dramatically, it is difficult to see him surviving until the end of the season.
The biggest hope could be £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba. If the midfielder can transform United's midfield and make the team look like a completely different side, Carrick could potentially turn everything around.
But that is a huge expectation to place on one player.
For Carrick to save his Manchester United job, results need to improve rapidly. If United continue along their current trajectory, his departure by Christmas could feel less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.