The November international break is arriving with an uncomfortable question for several Premier League managers: who will still have a job when domestic football resumes? For Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, the situation appears particularly dangerous, while Manchester United’s Michael Carrick is discovering that even a dramatic European comeback cannot permanently silence questions about his future. With disappointing results piling up across the league, the managerial hot seat is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and some club executives may be preparing to make decisions they have postponed for weeks.
Crystal Palace’s situation has reached a critical stage following their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, November 8. The result left the Eagles at the bottom of the Premier League table, with just two victories from their opening 10 league matches and 24 goals conceded. Reports indicate that the club’s hierarchy is now preparing to dismiss Sage, with former Tottenham and Brentford manager Thomas Frank emerging as a leading candidate to replace him.
Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace Dream Could End Before Christmas
Pierre Sage arrived at Selhurst Park in June with considerable expectations after an impressive spell at Lens, where he helped the French club win the Coupe de France and secure Champions League qualification. However, his impressive reputation has not translated into consistent Premier League results. Four successive league defeats, defensive problems and a growing inability to collect points have turned his appointment into an increasingly difficult experiment.
The Frenchman may have discovered that Premier League football is not particularly interested in his previous achievements when the current results are heading in the opposite direction. Palace have conceded 24 goals in 10 league matches, and their supporters are now watching a team that looks increasingly vulnerable. The club’s problems are not entirely his responsibility, however, as important defensive departures and injuries have also complicated his task. Nevertheless, football’s familiar rule remains: managers are often expected to solve problems they did not personally create.
The situation is particularly significant because reports on Sunday indicated that Palace were preparing to make Pierre Sage the first Premier League managerial departure of the 2026/27 campaign. Thomas Frank is reportedly the leading replacement candidate, while Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira have also been mentioned as possible alternatives. If the reports materialise, Pierre Sage’s Selhurst Park adventure could end after only a few months, proving once again that managerial contracts sometimes have the lifespan of a footballer’s pre-match promise.
Michael Carrick, Régis Le Bris and Other Managers Under Pressure
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick is facing a different but equally uncomfortable situation. Reports before Sunday’s match suggested that United’s hierarchy could use the international break to reassess his position after a disappointing run of results. The club’s 3-2 Champions League comeback victory over Roma provided some breathing space, but it did not completely resolve concerns about consistency, league performances and the team’s overall direction.
Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa has added another chapter to the uncertainty. United twice fought back from two goals down, showing considerable determination, but another failure to secure three points leaves difficult questions unanswered. Carrick has indicated that he expects to continue working with the team after the international break and has rejected suggestions that he intends to resign. However, his personal confidence does not necessarily mean the board has reached a final decision. The international window could still become an important assessment period at Old Trafford.
Carrick is not the only manager who should be paying attention to developments elsewhere. Régis Le Bris at Sunderland is another name worth watching. Despite previously guiding the club to promotion and an impressive seventh-place finish last season, Sunderland’s recent performances have reportedly raised concerns. Opta’s analysis also identified Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner as someone facing a difficult situation, although Forest’s underlying expected-points figures suggest that poor finishing and bad luck have contributed significantly to their league position. Matthias Jaissle at Newcastle is another manager experiencing pressure following disappointing performances and criticism from supporters.
Ultimately, the November international break could become a managerial survival test for several Premier League coaches. Pierre Sage appears closest to the exit door, while Michael Carrick’s position remains a major talking point despite his recent European comeback and encouraging response against Aston Villa. Régis Le Bris, Oliver Glasner and Matthias Jaissle also have reasons to be concerned, although their situations are not identical. Will Palace pull the trigger on Pierre Sage, will United continue trusting Carrick, and which other club will decide that patience has finally run out? Keep watching OGM News FC for further developments because, in the Premier League, the next managerial announcement can arrive before the next matchday.
