Premier League sack race 2023/24: The managers at risk of being sacked
- 14 Premier League managers were sacked during the 2022/23 season
- There are a number of managers whose jobs are already under threat
- The likes of Paul Heckingbottom and Vincent Kompany are in danger of being the first to go
It's a prize that nobody wants to claim, but one Premier League manager this year will be the winner of the sack race.
There are some whose positions are already in jeopardy despite the fact that the season is still in its infancy, such is the ruthlessness of elite-level football. Poor results can only go unpunished for so long and it's easier to sack the manager than an entire squad of 25 players.
Last season there was 14 sackings in the Premier League - the likes of Chelsea and Leeds United got rid of multiple coaches - and there is little precedent to suggest that this season won't also be full to the brim with managerial farewells.
Let's look at who could win the sack race in the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Paul Heckingbottom - Sheffield United
Paul Heckingbottom is one of the coaches leading the sack race at the moment, still yet to get a victory in any competition this season. Sheffield United have managed just one draw against Everton so far, albeit late goals conceded against Tottenham, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have robbed them of adding to their points tally.
Heckingbottom guided the Blades to promotion from the Championship last season, finishing ten points above third-placed Luton Town. However, football moves quickly, and nine defeats from ten Premier League games is unacceptable.
Of course, an extensive injury list has only exacerbated things at Bramall Lane, but, with little sign of improvement, Heckingbottom could be on his way out of the exit door pretty soon.
Rob Edwards - Luton Town
Luton have actually exceeded expectations in the Premier League so far, but they remain in the relegation zone with just five points to their name. Their only victory came against Everton back in late September, with the Hatters beginning to adjust to life in the top flight.
However, there is a challenging run of fixtures on the horizon. Luton face Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle United in five of their next eight games, which could put Rob Edwards in a difficult position come the end of December.
While sacking Edwards would be a somewhat illogical decision, football rarely runs on logic. If the points aren't on the table, he could be gone.
Vincent Kompany - Burnley
Despite having forged one of the Championship's most devastating teams of recent years, Vincent Kompany's offensive-minded football has not translated well to the top flight. Burnley have accrued four points from ten matches, with just one win over fellow strugglers Luton.
Burnley's admirable approach has left them far too open in the Premier League, with the Clarets conceding goals at will. Having let in 25 goals so far this term, an average of 2.5 per match, Kompany needs to find a way of tightening up his backline, even if it sacrifices his principles in the process.
If the Belgian can't take a slightly more pragmatic approach, then his head could be on the chopping block.
Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth
It was a summer of cultural change at the Vitality Stadium with Andoni Iraola's arrival signalling the start of a more progressive era on the south coast. The Spaniard had impressed at Rayo Vallecano, but things haven't been so smooth in the Premier League.
Bournemouth only picked up their first league victory of the season last weekend, scraping a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Burnley. While that has temporarily moved them out of the bottom three, upcoming matches against Man City, Newcastle and Aston Villa could send them back down.
It will take time for Iraola to fully change the culture at the club, but pressure will continue to mount from supporters if results don't come soon.
Erik ten Hag - Manchester United
Despite having largely impressed during his first season at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag now finds himself under immense pressure. A truly dismal start to the season has seen a string of underwhelming performances and results, with Man Utd currently eighth and in danger of not qualifying from their Champions League group.
Back-to-back 3-0 Old Trafford humiliations at the hands of Man City and Newcastle have turned the heat up further in Manchester, with Ten Hag's position in the dugout now in jeopardy. The Red Devils have regressed since last season despite heavy financial investment over the summer and, while Ten Hag isn't the only problem at the club, the Dutchman has been unable to get a tune out of a talented squad.
It's likely that Man Utd will give Ten Hag time to steady the ship, but there is only so long that such a titan of the game can continue to underperform.
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