Sheffield United have announced the departure of manager Paul Heckingbottom after a difficult start to the Premier League season.
The Englishman becomes the first manager to be sacked in the English top flight this term. The Blades have won only one league game – a scrappy 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Heavy losses to Newcastle United and Arsenal can be excused, but losing 5-0 to relegation rivals Burnley is a sackable offence, and the 46-year-old has been axed.
The Blades have scored the least number of goals while conceding the most, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the table.
Chris Wilder is in line to make an emotional return to Bramall Lane.
The decision to part ways with Heckingbottom underscores the high stakes and intense pressure that Premier League managers face, particularly in the midst of a fiercely competitive season.
As the football world absorbs the news, attention naturally turns to the burning question – which Premier League manager will be the next to face the axe?
Vincent Kompany – Burnley
Burnley boss and Pep Guardiola disciple Vincent Kompany is the odds-on favourite to get the sack next, with the Clarets just above the Blades at the bottom of the standings.
Before the win over United this weekend, Kompany’s side sat below them after spending around £100 million on new signings this summer.
With their exciting playing style that won them the Championship last term, many people expected Burnley to punch far above where they are currently perched.
If results don’t improve soon, the former Manchester City captain could be dismissed.
Burnley have games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton in the next couple of weeks.
Kompany needs to steer his side to good results or may find himself using the exit door before the turn of the year.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under massive pressure as the Red Devils trail Arsenal in the title race by nine points after 14 games.
United have struggled for goals this season, netting just 16 league goals – the lowest tally in the top 10.
They are below the top four, with scrutiny mounting on Ten Hag. The Dutchman is struggling to turn things around, with his players looking lethargic and unenthusiastic.
United’s poor showings in the Champions League could also affect Ten Hag’s future. The Red Devils are languishing at the bottom of their group and need favourable results to qualify with one game left.
Ten Hag’s fall-out with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane is also not doing him any favours, and he could be out of a job if they don’t go on a winning spree.
Steve Cooper – Nottingham Forest
There continues to be a lot of speculation regarding the future of Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, even though club owner Evangelos Marinakis has publicly backed him.
Cooper continues to steer Forest just above the dreaded relegation zone, but poor results against Everton, West Ham United and Brighton in their last three games have put him under pressure.
With games against Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth to come, Cooper may be looking for a new job before the end of the year.
