New Delhi: The 2024/25 Premier League season has become a showcase of young managerial talent as clubs increasingly embrace fresh ideas and long-term planning. With an average managerial age of just 46.25 years, this season reflects a growing shift towards appointing younger managers who bring innovative tactics and a fearless approach to football management.
The youthful energy extends beyond the youngest permanent manager Fabian Hurzeler with other stars like Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna making their mark in the top flight. These managers despite their relative inexperience have already demonstrated an ability to lead teams with poise, adaptability, and tactical ingenuity. Their presence is a testament to a broader movement across English football where younger managers are trusted not only in the Premier League but throughout the pyramid.
This season’s youngest coaches are transforming the league with progressive philosophies, exciting football, and a boldness often absent from more traditional setups. Here is a list of top five youngest managers in the Premier League this season.
5. Gary O’Neil – 41 years
Gary O’Neil, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Gary O’Neil’s journey from a promising young player to a highly-rated manager has been remarkable. His career took a significant turn when he became involved in the coaching staff at AFC Bournemouth. Initially working under Jonathan Woodgate and later Scott Parker, O’Neil played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
In 2022, O’Neil took charge of Bournemouth as caretaker manager following Parker’s dismissal. He impressed immediately as he guided the team to several impressive results including a win against Leicester City. His strong performances earned him the permanent role and he continued to lead the club with distinction.
Despite a challenging period in the latter stages of the 2022-23 season, O’Neil’s reputation remained intact. His tactical acumen, motivational skills, and ability to connect with players made him an attractive option for other clubs.
In the summer of 2023, O’Neil was appointed as the head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers. He quickly made an impact, leading the team to a memorable victory against Manchester City. His pragmatic approach coupled with a willingness to attack has breathed new life into the Wolves squad. In his first season, the team finished 14th in the Premeir League.
O’Neil has achieved great heights and is renowned for more success in the coming years.
4. Ruben Amorim – 39 years
Ruben Amorim (Photo credits: @FabrizioRomano ‘X’)
Ruben Amorim has made a significant impact on the Portuguese league with Sporting CP and now takes on charge at Manchester United as manager. Known for his tactical acumen and energetic approach Amorim has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.
Before taking charge of the Red Devils, Amorim had a successful playing career having started off his managerial career in 2018 with a short stint at the Lisbon club then he was appointed reserve team manager at Braga and just three months later got first team boss promotion. However, it was his move to Sporting CP that truly catapulted him to prominence.
Before taking the reins at Manchester United, Amorim made a significant impact at Sporting CP. He revitalized the club leading them to their first Primeira Liga title in nearly two decades in 2021. His teams were renowned for their attacking flair, high pressing, and ability to score goals. Amorim was named Primeira Liga’s Manager of the Month in April and the the Primeira Liga’s Manager of the year.
Amorim’s appointment at Manchester United is another feather in his cap as the club believes his tactical acumen, motivational skills, and ability to develop young talent align perfectly with their long-term vision. His impact has been notable at Sporting and will now help the world’s most iconic football club get back to the top.
3. Kieran McKenna – 38 years
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Ipswich Town FC (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Kieran McKenna has quickly made a name for himself in the football world. Having served as a coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, McKenna brings a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge to his managerial role.
McKenna’s managerial career began at Ipswich Town in December 2021. He inherited a struggling team and quickly implemented his possession-based attacking style of play. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent have been evident in Ipswich’s performances. He extended his contract with Ipswich Town this summer after successful last two seasons.
Under McKenna’s guidance, Ipswich Town has shown significant improvement. The side saw a quick upturn winning seven of his first 10 games having kept seven clean sheets. Even the Tractor Boys went 11 matches unbeaten through February and March, setting a new club record for not conceding a goal. They have consistently challenged for promotion to the Championship showcasing a level of football that belies their league position and managed EFL Championship promotion in 2023 and helped Tractor Boys back-to-back promotion from League One to Premier League.
McKenna’s emphasis on technical ability and tactical awareness has transformed the club’s playing style. As a young manager, McKenna has already proven to be a talented tactician and a strong leader. His dedication to player development and his ability to inspire his team have made him a rising star in the world of football management.
2. Russell Martin – 38 years
Southampton manager Russell Martin during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Ipswich Town (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Ruben Martin, a former professional footballer turned manager took the reins at Southampton FC in June 2023. He is known for his progressive style of play and emphasis on possession-based football.
Southampton appointed Martin after a disappointing relegation from the Premier League. The club was looking for a manager who could revitalize the team and bring them back to the top flight. Martin’s tenure began on a high note, with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield in his first match, breaking the club’s nine-game winless streak. Between September 2023 and February 2024, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading Southampton to a club-record 25-match unbeaten streak.
His efforts culminated in a triumphant return to the Premier League through the play-offs, where Southampton defeated Leeds United 1-0 to secure promotion. Martin’s fresh approach, built on a possession-heavy philosophy and a commitment to nurturing young talent, aligned perfectly with the club’s long-term vision.
Southampton’s current Premier League campaign has been challenging as they sit at the bottom of the standings with just one win from 12 matches. However, Martin’s influence is evident in their playing style. Southampton ranks among the highest in passes attempted this season, trailing only Manchester City and Liverpool. Their short-passing game executed with an impressive 88% accuracy has become a hallmark of Martin’s system.
While results have been hard to come by there is a firm belief that the team has deserved more than their current tally of four points. Having already demonstrated his ability to lead Southampton through adversity, Martin’s tactical expertise and resilience may once again guide the Saints out of the relegation zone.
1. Fabian Hurzeler – 31 years
Brighton & Hove Albion coach Fabian Hurzeler gestures during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
When Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed Fabian Hurzeler as their new head coach they put him into the Premier League’s history books. The German became the youngest-ever permanent manager to end Chris Coleman’s 21 year-old record when he signed a contract with Brighton this summer until 2027.
Before coming to the Seagulls the German guided St. Pauli back to the Bundesliga in 2024. In his first competitive match at Brighton his team win 3-0 away at Everton. Brighton are currently sixth in the standings in Premier League, having earned 22 points in 12 matches.
The German kicked off the season by winning the Premier League Manager of the Month award in August for an unbeaten run with his sides memorable wins over Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and even defending champions Manchester City. He became the youngest ever to win the award beating out fellow nominees Pep Guardiola of Man City and Arne Slot of Liverpool.
Brighton have undergone a remarkable tactical transformation under Hürzeler, evident in their performance across 15 matches, where they secured eight wins, four draws, and suffered only three losses.
Young managers are taking the Premier League by storm! Learn about the top 5 youngest managers including Fabian Hurzeler, Ruben Amorim, and more who are revolutionizing the league with their innovative tactics and fearless approach. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
