When does the Premier League 'sacking season' start, and who should worry?

The term "sacking season" refers to a stretch of the Premier League calendar when clubs are more inclined to part company with their managers. It typically follows a string of poor results or a dip in form that forces owners and fans to seek change.

In recent weeks, Manchester United’s manager Michael Carrick has felt the mounting pressure to deliver results. The club’s position in the league table and a series of disappointing performances have prompted speculation about his future.

BBC Sport outlines when the sacking season usually kicks in, noting that the first half of the campaign often sees the most managerial upheavals. Clubs that struggle early on are frequently the ones that face the toughest scrutiny.

Those most likely to be worried are teams that have slipped into the lower part of the table or are hovering just above the relegation zone. Their owners and supporters may feel that a change in management is the only way to reverse the trend.

As the season progresses, the window for sacking will narrow. Clubs that manage to stabilize their performances early may avoid the turmoil that often accompanies the mid-season shake‑ups, while those that fail to turn their fortunes around will find themselves in a precarious position.