Man United vacancy 

©TM/IMAGO

There’s few jobs as precarious as a football managers due to the scrutiny and public-facing roles that they are employed in. The role of manager has evolved substantially over the decades with many clubs now employing head coaches as part of a wider management structure. While sporting directors and technical staff often lurk in the shadows, the spotlight is firmly on managers and they shoulder the burden of responsibility. 

When players sign a contract at a club then they will fulfil that for the duration of the agreed terms, unless they are sold. But it’s very different for managers as they are regularly sacked, if unsuccessful, or they’ll move to a bigger club, if successful. The managerial merry-go-round has been in full swing already in 2026 with Enzo Maresca departing Chelsea and Rúben Amorim dismissed by Manchester United. And there could be some substantial changes at major clubs this summer as numerous elite managers’ contracts expire.

Six elite managers with contracts expiring in 2026

There’s a plethora of managers, currently working in the top five leagues, with contracts expiring at the end of the season and we’ve selected the four that will generate the most interest in boardrooms across Europe. But there’s also two world-class coaches that are expected to leave their roles in charge of national teams after the 2026 World Cup – Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino. Tuchel’s availability this summer will alert a host of top clubs that could consider changing managers, including Manchester United.

The Old Trafford club will insert an interim manager until the end of the season and England boss Tuchel held advanced talks with United’s hierarchy before Amorim was appointed. Pochettino has recently spoken about his desire to return to the English Premier League after leading the United States at the World Cup. Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner’s reputations have soared across the last year and all three have rebuffed offers to extend their current deals. Former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde’s deal at Athletic Club also expires this summer and he famously lead the Basque club to their first-ever major trophy last season.