We may only be five games into the Premier League season, but a host of managers may already at risk of the sack after poor starts to the season. The international break is so often a time when clubs opt to change managers and the new extended three-week break from action could leave a number of vulnerable bosses looking over their shoulders.101 Great Goals takes a look at the five managers most at risk of the sack.Table of ContentsRoberto De ZerbiMichael CarrickAlvaro ArbeloaPierre SageFrank LampardRoberto De ZerbiRoberto De Zerbi is arguably the manager under the most pressure heading into the international break, with Tottenham sitting bottom of the Premier League after five games. Spurs have picked up just two points and their 3-2 defeat at home to a previously winless Aston Villa on Saturday means they are still searching for their first win of the campaign. Their lack of goals is particularly concerning, with De Zerbis side finding the net just twice in their opening five league games despite considerable investment over the summer. The international break gives him time to work with his squad, but another poor result when Tottenham return could leave his position in serious doubt.Michael CarrickMichael Carricks Manchester United have endured another frustrating start, with Sundays 1-1 draw at Fulham leaving them with just five points from their opening five matches. Having led United to Champions League qualification last season, Carrick would have expected a much better beginning to the new campaign, but performances have been inconsistent and Sundays late equaliser only rescued a point. Uniteds huge expectations mean pressure can build quickly, particularly when results arent coming. Their first game back after the international break is against Tottenham, making it a potentially huge fixture for both Carrick and De Zerbi.Alvaro ArbeloaAlvaro Arbeloa has also found himself under some early pressure after Fulhams winless start to the Premier League campaign. Sundays 1-1 draw with Manchester United was another frustrating result, particularly after Fulham had taken the lead and looked on course for all three points. The former Real Madrid defender has not yet reached the kind of crisis point facing De Zerbi, but Fulham need to start converting promising performances into victories. The international break could provide Arbeloa with valuable time to work with his squad before a crucial run of fixtures.Pierre SagePierre Sage is another manager worth keeping an eye on, although the pressure around the Crystal Palace boss is nowhere near as intense as it is at Tottenham or Manchester United. Palace have made a mixed start to the campaign and Sundays goalless draw at Leeds means they are still searching for the consistency needed to push towards the top half of the table. Sage will have time on his side, but a prolonged run without victories would inevitably increase the scrutiny. For now, he remains one to watch rather than an immediate candidate to lose his job.Frank LampardFrank Lampard may have given himself some breathing room with Coventrys first Premier League victory of the season on Saturday. The 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest was particularly important after a difficult opening to the campaign and will allow Lampard to head into the international break with some much-needed positivity. Coventry will still need to improve significantly if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, but the victory has eased some of the immediate pressure. A poor run after the break, however, could quickly see Lampard back in the sack-race conversation. Topics Coventry City F.C. Crystal Palace F.C. Fulham F.C. Manchester United F.C. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Man United striker Sesko set for tests after withdrawing from Slovenia squad Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026 Premier League: 5 key talking points as City steal early march in title race and Carrick comes under fire Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026 Who has impressed across the first five weeks? Our Team of the Premier League season so far Jon Fisher 21st September, 2026 England: Rice, Rashford, Mainoo and Livramento join Palmer in withdrawing from Nations League squad Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026 Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Report, result, goals from Premier League Ben Miller 20th September, 2026 Carrick hails Manchester United response after another poor performance Mitch Fretton 20th September, 2026
