The sack race: Who will be the second managerial casualty of the 2025/26 season?

Nuno Espírito Santo became the first managerial casualty of the 2025/26 season when Nottingham Forest pulled the trigger on his dismissal following a breakdown in trust with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Portuguese coach’s exit, admittedly harsh given how early it came, set a record for quickest dismissal in Premier League history, just 25 days into the new campaign.

Forest quickly turned to Ange Postecoglou as Nuno’s replacement, but the Australian began his tenure with a 3-0 defeat away at Arsenal.

It has set the precedent for what promises to be another brutal few months in the Premier League dugout, and after the weekend’s action, more could follow.

There is now a high chance we see another manager sacked before the next international break, with UK betting sites slashing odds on both Graham Potter and Ruben Amorim’s respective tenures coming to an end.

Who could be next?

Potter has emerged as the sack race favourite after West Ham were thrashed 3-0 at home by rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It’s seen his price cut from 9/4 to evens over the weekend, a reflection of how fragile his position now looks.

The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has struggled to settle in east London, posting a W6 D5 L13 record from 24 matches in charge. His side currently sit third bottom of the table, having already conceded 11 goals, the most in the league.

That loss to Spurs aside, the Irons have looked short of identity and confidence. Forest’s decision to part ways with Nuno only increases the scrutiny, with many seeing the Portuguese coach as a natural candidate to step straight back into the league if the current boss is shown the door. With odds shortening rapidly, Potter’s position looks increasingly untenable.

Will Manchester United keep the faith with Ruben Amorim?

Unsurprisingly, Ruben Amorim sits next in the betting odds following a chastening Manchester derby defeat, now 5/2 to be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford.

His United side offered little resistance as Manchester City romped to a 3-0 victory at the Etihad, leaving the Portuguese manager with serious questions to answer about his team’s direction.

Since replacing Erik ten Hag 11 months ago, Amorim has collected just 31 points from 31 league games. The numbers speak for themselves, and the manner of United’s recent performances has done little to change the mood, especially when persisting with a 3-4-3 system that isn’t winning games.

While his reputation from Sporting Lisbon bought him time initially, patience is beginning to wear thin. A poor run through autumn could easily force United’s hierarchy into another reset.

What now for Nuno?

Vítor Pereira finds himself at 5/1 for the sack after Wolves’ fourth consecutive defeat to start the season. However, their run in the EFL Cup could yet keep the Portuguese manager in his job, alongside more winnable fixtures on the horizon against newly promoted sides Sunderland and Burnley.

Should circumstances at Molineux fail to improve, Pereira could find himself making way for a familiar face, with Espírito Santo potentially available for a return to his former club, where he enjoyed considerable success before his initial departure.

Nuno famously guided Wolves back to the Premier League in 2018 and helped them establish themselves as a top-flight side. A reunion would likely boost morale in the Black Country after such a flat start to the season.

Next Premier League manager to leave odds

• Graham Potter – Evens
• Ruben Amorim – 5/2
• Vitor Pereira – 5/1
• Daniel Farke – 8/1
• Oliver Glasner – 10/1

Forest’s gamble on Postecoglou

Nottingham Forest’s decision to replace Nuno with Postecoglou raises its own questions about whether the Australian will be given sufficient time to implement his distinctive style.

There’s a big focus on attacking with energy that will test the depth of a squad that must not only battle to turn their league form around but also juggle a return to European football at The City Ground.

Some argue Forest have shot themselves in the foot by appointing him. The trip to Arsenal was always going to be difficult, but upcoming fixtures are equally challenging.

Postecoglou’s outspoken interviews and uncompromising personality will draw attention, but it remains to be seen whether they galvanise a squad low on belief. Forest may not have much patience if results do not improve quickly.

Whether the Aussie can sustain such an intense style over the course of a punishing season remains uncertain, with the risk that it could unravel under the combined pressures of league and European demands.

The brutal reality of a Premier League relegation battle

The Premier League’s ruthless nature shows no signs of softening. With survival worth so much and relegation so costly, few clubs can afford patience. Each managerial change puts added pressure on those in similar positions.

Potter, Amorim, and Pereira each face their own unique challenges, but all share the common thread of rapidly diminishing time to turn their respective situations around. In this climate, no manager is truly safe, not even those who might have expected more patience from their employers.

With the next international break still weeks away, the sack race looks set to claim its second victim sooner rather than later.