RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa are among several coaches facing increased scrutiny as English football heads into an extended three-week international break.
United and Fulham meet at Craven Cottage on Sunday in the final Premier League fixture before the break, with both managers seeking a positive result following difficult starts to the campaign.
Three English Football League managers — Paul Heckingbottom at Preston North End, Michael Duff at Wycombe Wanderers and Luke Williams at Peterborough United — have already lost their jobs this season.
While early-season managerial changes during international breaks have historically been uncommon, the unusually long pause could give clubs more time to assess performances and consider changes.
MANCHESTER UNITED — MICHAEL CARRICK
Carrick is under growing scrutiny after United’s 3-2 EFL Cup defeat to Brighton on Wednesday, when they surrendered a two-goal advantage at Old Trafford.
The loss followed a 1-0 Premier League defeat to 10-man Manchester City. United’s only victories so far have come against Ipswich Town and Sabah.
Carrick has rejected suggestions that the Fulham game is decisive for his future. His work in guiding United into the Champions League last season also provides important context to the club’s difficult start.
Nevertheless, another defeat before the three-week break would increase external pressure ahead of United’s return against Tottenham on October 10.
FULHAM — ALVARO ARBELOA
Arbeloa has endured a challenging introduction to English football, with no victories and three defeats from his opening four Premier League matches.
The former Real Madrid coach introduced significant tactical changes after replacing Marco Silva, while reports have suggested dissatisfaction among some members of the squad.
Fulham showed improvement in a goalless draw away to Liverpool, but their position at the bottom end of the table has kept attention firmly on Arbeloa.
There is no confirmation that Fulham are preparing to replace him, although owner Shahid Khan has previously made managerial changes relatively quickly when results deteriorated.
TOTTENHAM — ROBERTO DE ZERBI
Tottenham’s situation is different despite an equally troubling results column.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are without a Premier League victory after five matches, despite substantial spending on new players during the summer.
However, there is currently no indication that Tottenham’s hierarchy is considering a managerial change.
The club is understood to remain encouraged by aspects of the team’s developing style, although continued failure to convert performances into victories would inevitably increase scrutiny.
CRYSTAL PALACE — PIERRE SAGE
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has also experienced an uneven start, recording only one league victory.
Defensive vulnerability has been a particular concern, although Palace have had to cope without important attacking players at different stages.
A 4-0 Europa League victory over Lech Poznan provided some relief and demonstrated the side’s attacking potential.
However, poor league results would keep Sage under pressure, particularly if Palace enter the international break close to the lower end of the table.
BURNLEY — NICKY HAYEN
The pressure appears particularly significant at Burnley, where Nicky Hayen was appointed to lead the club’s attempt to return to the Premier League.
Burnley entered the Championship season among the sides expected to challenge for promotion but have failed to win any of their opening eight league fixtures.
Hayen publicly acknowledged the pressure before Saturday’s meeting with Derby County.
Burnley then conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw, leaving the club bottom of the Championship heading into the break.
The poor start means the club’s hierarchy could face questions over whether to continue with the Belgian or consider a change, although no decision has been announced.
DERBY COUNTY — JOHN EUSTACE
Derby manager John Eustace is also facing pressure after his side entered the international break in the Championship relegation zone.
Eustace came close to guiding Derby into the play-offs last season, but that achievement has not prevented scrutiny following the club’s difficult opening weeks.
The late equaliser against Burnley secured a valuable point, although Derby’s league position means results will need to improve when domestic competition resumes.
WATFORD — ALESSIO DIONISI
Watford manager Alessio Dionisi faces another potentially difficult situation.
The Italian, appointed during the summer, has overseen only two victories from Watford’s opening eight league matches.
A defeat at Bristol City left the Hornets 19th in the Championship, three points above the relegation zone.
Managerial stability has historically been limited at Watford, and Dionisi became the club’s 27th permanent manager in less than 18 years when he took charge.
There has been no announcement that owner Gino Pozzo intends to make another change, but Watford’s record means Dionisi will remain under scrutiny.
WHY THE THREE-WEEK BREAK MATTERS
Premier League clubs have rarely dismissed managers during the first international break of a season. Over the previous decade, only a small number of managerial departures have occurred during the September and October pauses.
Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis said international breaks can nevertheless become important decision points because clubs have time to appoint a replacement, assess the squad and prepare before competitive football resumes.
The extended three-week break makes this year unusual, but there is no confirmation that Manchester United, Fulham, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Derby or Watford have decided to dismiss their managers.
For coaches already under scrutiny, however, their clubs’ early-season records will ensure the pressure remains throughout the unusually long pause.
