Premier League Managers Face Big Tactical Problems in 2025/26

As the 2025/26 Premier League season reaches its halfway mark, several managers are coming under increasing scrutiny over the way their teams play. While some clubs have found a rhythm and identity on the pitch, others are still struggling with tactics that seem outdated or ill-suited to their squad.

Here are the Premier League’s top managers whose teams have suffered from clear tactical problems this season.

Premier League Managers With Tactical Dilemmas

Ruben Amorim – Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been one of the most talked about tactical stories of the season.

Appointed in November 2024, Amorim brings his favored 3-4-2-1 system to Old Trafford. Despite heavy investment in the summer in attacking players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, United struggled for consistent form.

Critics argue that Premier League managers’ rigid formations do not suit their personnel and limit creativity, especially in midfield and chance creation. Many have openly questioned his insistence on the system, saying it put key strikers in awkward positions and failed to maximize the strengths of United’s squad.

The team’s results were mixed, and although they showed resilience, tactical confusion remained a recurring theme.

Amorim himself has rejected calls to change his philosophy, saying he would not abandon his tactical approach “even for the Pope.” However, the last few games have seen tentative changes, including using four defenders out of necessity.

Thomas Frank – Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s season under Thomas Frank has also drawn criticism.

After a promising spell with Brentford, Frank was hired by Spurs in June 2025, but results were inconsistent, and his league standing was disappointing. Fans and pundits have pointed out Tottenham’s inability to establish a clear attacking identity – the team often looks predictable and suffers from tactical problems that make them easy to analyze and disrupt, as if opponents have enough material to do my dissertation on how Spurs organize and where their structure breaks down.

Recent defeats and poor results have increased the pressure on Premier League managers, with several former Spurs players calling for a change in leadership.

Although Frank has shown tactical flexibility at times, Spurs’ struggle to control the game and turn possession into goals has proven that. Opponents often look for space in wide areas, exposing a defensive structure that lacks cohesion.

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Rob Edwards – Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves’ campaign has been one of the most dismal displays of tactical dysfunction in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Under manager Rob Edwards, Wolves endured a historically poor record – failing to win any of their first 17 league games and equaling the undesirable Premier League record for lowest points tally at Christmas. Their style of play was criticized for lacking form, confidence and attacking threat, with opponents often exploiting gaps between the lines.

Whether due to the team’s defensive weaknesses or a failure to adapt tactics mid-match, Wolves appeared overwhelmed by the demands of this division. With relegation looming, Edwards faces a big test to reorganize his tactical plans in the second half of the season.

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Credit: IMAGO / News Images

Recording Date: 08.12.2025