There could be a mad scramble for new managers soon after the international break has ended, with a number of club heads feeling the pressure.
None appear to be under more pressure in the Premier League than Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick. Tottenham and Manchester United have both had disappointing starts to the 2026/27 campaign, with Spurs rock bottom on just two points and United sitting in 12th after just one win in five matches.
Difficult questions are being asked of both of them, with the pressure on their shoulders to return from the three-week international break and kickstart their seasons.
If they don’t there may be serious conversations about their futures in their jobs.
GIVEMESPORT understands neither are at threat just yet, but that both clubs may be succession-planning behind the scenes.
Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, Jacobs said: “The situation with Michael Carrick is Manchester United continue to back him through the international break. Of course, there’s normal succession planning but here’s still support for Carrick. All well-run clubs have to succession plan, but we’re not in a position where there’ll be a knee-jerk reaction to the current form as of now.
One name stands out in race to replace De Zerbi and Carrick
via Reuters
“If these results continue, all these well-run clubs have to think about a succession plan. I’m not expecting a surprise departure in the international break, but he will know results need to improve quickly. Behind the scenes at Tottenham they are relatively calm and I’m still told the intent is to explore whether another sporting official, a co-sporting director or some form of senior executive is necessary.
“Maybe only after they find that name in whatever capacity will they start to understand if they need to assess Roberto De Zerbi.”
Of the names linked with replacing them, Kieran McKenna’s has popped up in recent weeks, which is hardly surprising given his connection with both clubs. The former Ipswich Town boss, who has been out of work since leaving the Tractor Boys last summer, after guiding them back to the Premier League, worked in the academy at both clubs before stepping into senior football management and was spotted at both grounds before the international break taking in matches.
McKenna may be a wanted man elsewhere
But there is another club being linked with McKenna and that is Celtic, north of the border.
After a good start to the Scottish season, the Bhoys have wobbled in the last few weeks, losing at home in the UEFA Europa League to Ferencvaros after being ignominiously dumped out of UEFA Champions League qualifying by LASK, having led 4-0 on aggregate, as well as losing in the Scottish League Cup and Premiership to fierce rivals Rangers.
Martin O’Neill is also a man under pressure, although GMS understands if he were to leave the Parkhead club it would be on his terms, rather than being forced out, such is the goodwill he has at Celtic Park.
The Northern Irishman has been given the vote of confidence by CEO Michael Nicholson, but if a change is to be made, McKenna would be the perfect choice to take over.
And the former Ipswich boss has a connection with the Hoops too, which would make things a bit more difficult if he were to have to choose between them and the two Premier League sides.
McKenna previously said: “I played at Celtic Park and playing at Celtic Park was a big one, at 18, with Jacques Santini in his first couple of games. Celtic Park is a massive stadium and a club I had an affiliation with as well.
That was a pretty special one.
If O’Neill does feel like he cannot compete at the highest level of football in Scotland anymore, he may well make the decision to step aside, before United or Tottenham chiefs wield the axe on managers who have some credit in the bank for the second half of last season.
And that may give Celtic the edge to go and get McKenna and the “genius” boss may prove to be their best signing of the season.
Former forward Conor Chaplin revealed that McKenna has the tactical nous and the man management skills to be a success wherever he goes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
He said: “When someone like me talks to someone like him, I just listen. There’s nothing that I can say that he doesn’t know. I’m just learning from him.
“Every morning we’d always talk about the game that was on the night before. He’d always says something and I’d think, ‘I didn’t see that’. He’s a genius in terms of the way that he sees tactical pictures.
“He keeps everyone right where they need to be at any given time, reads the room incredibly well every single post-match, same on a Monday, always realising exactly what the lads need at that point in time.
“He always, always hits the nail on the head with the atmosphere in the room, whether the lads need a confidence boost or a little bit of a rocket.”
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He’d be perfect for them.