Premier League uncertainty grows as Michael Carrick rises quickly
Michael Carrick has only been in charge of Manchester United for a matter of months - but has already outlasted a number of his rivals. The Red Devils boss was entrusted with the reins in January and after leading the club back into the Champions League, was handed a permanent deal.
Of course, in Premier League terms, a lengthy contract does not necessarily mean that a manager will be in situ for that long. In fact, it is very rare to see a manager see out his entire deal before either being sacked or poached by another club.
That has certainly been the case this summer, with as many as eight Premier League clubs having opted for changes in the close season, for one reason or another. The latest has been Newcastle, with Eddie Howe moving on after nearly five years.
That now leaves Carrick as the tenth longest serving manager in the top flight, despite having only been in charge for just 20 games. He could even move up that list throughout the season as more changes are made. So, how safe are Carrick and his Premier League rivals? Mirror Football takes a look…
Carrick, Arteta and the managers who look secure
Let’s start with the man serving as the inspiration for this list: Carrick. The former midfielder did a stellar job at Old Trafford last season so looks unlikely to be going anywhere any time soon.
The same could overwhelmingly be said of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard ended the club’s long wait for a Premier League title last term, as well as leading the Gunners into the Champions League final. It would be a huge shock to see him going anywhere.
Regis Le Bris and Unai Emery also enjoyed brilliant seasons for Sunderland and Aston Villa respectively - the latter winning the Europa League. The pair will likely remain in situ for the forthcoming campaign.
Speaking of brilliant campaigns, Frank Lampard led Coventry City to a place in the Premier League last term and was rewarded with a new contract only last month.
Roberto De Zerbi should also be fine, having led Spurs to survival in his first campaign in North London and been handed the keys to the kingdom in North London. Marco Rose, Alvaro Arbeloa, Andoni Iraola, Pierre Sage and Enzo Maresca were only appointed this summer so should not be in any danger - in the short term at least.
There are a few exceptions to that rule, however. Xabi Alonso replaced Liam Rosenior this summer and had he taken the reins at any other club other than Chelsea, he would be safer. As it is, he’s underneath an ownership that is no stranger to a managerial change. Indeed, no Chelsea manager has surpassed 100 games in charge since Antonio Conte’s two-season spell was ended in 2018.
Alonso is a talented manager but he could potentially be in danger should the Blues start the season poorly.
The same could also be said of Gary O’Neil. He only arrived at Ipswich in the summer having replaced Kieran McKenna. The former Wolves boss should be afforded patience but should the Tractor Boys start struggling, then they could consider a change.
Elsewhere, Fabian Hurzeler and Keith Andrews enjoyed brilliant seasons with Brighton and Brentford last term - the former leading the Seagulls back into Europe. But it feels that both Hurzeler and Andrews are just a bad run of form away from being put under pressure - there was a point last season when Brighton fans weren't particularly impressed with Hurzeler, before an excellent second half of the campaign.
Managers already feeling the heat
Despite there still being a few weeks to go until the season gets underway, there are some managers who might be looking over their shoulders already. Everton’s David Moyes is under pressure from fans after a disappointing end to last season. Should the Toffees start the new campaign in similar fashion, the Scot could find himself close to the sack.
Daniel Farke finds himself in a similar - if not identical position. The German has had a fantastic impact at Leeds but there have regularly been whispers about the club’s ownership wanting a new man for some time, and they've never quite gone away. Farke needs a good start to 2026/27 to ensure he is kept on.
The same could also be said of Sergej Jakirović. Despite leading Hull to promotion, the Tigers are not particularly known for patience when it comes to their managers so he might be one moved on early.
And the former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner finds himself in a similar position. The Austrian was only appointed by Nottingham Forest this summer but the hot seat at the City Ground can be compared to a game of musical chairs - just ask Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche. Endure a similar run of form and Glasner could well find himself without a job before the leaves even turn brown.
Premier League manager standings by games in charge
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal - 353 games (all comps)
Unai Emery - Aston Villa - 196 games
Daniel Farke - Leeds United - 148 games
Regis Le Bris - Sunderland - 93 games
Fabian Hurzeler - Brighton and Hove Albion - 88 games
Frank Lampard - Coventry City - 82 games
David Moyes - Everton - 61 games (second spell)
Sergej Jakirovic - Hull City - 52 games
Keith Andrews - Brentford - 45 games
Michael Carrick - Manchester United - 20 games
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