A look at the candidates in the running for PL Manager of the Year award

Once the final Premier League matches of the season have concluded, the Manager of the Year award will be announced.

Five managers were in the running this year - Thomas Frank, Nuno Espirito Santo, Vitor Pereira, Eddie Howe and Arne Slot - and each could stake a reasonable claim for landing the gong.

Votes have already been cast by the public and a panel of football experts and the winner will almost certainly already be known behind the scenes, however, it's worth delving a little deeper into the merits of the various contenders.

Arne Slot

The Dutchman has made his first season in the English top flight look easy.

When Jurgen Klopp said farewell to Liverpool last season no one would've expected Arne Slot to come in, use almost exactly the same squad personnel and win the title at a canter.

At times the football being played by the Reds was sublime, but for all of the pretty passing triangles, there was still a steely determination about the defensive aspects of their play.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates winning the Premier League title after a victory over Tottenham Hotspur FC on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.Kobie Abott/Sports Press Photo/S / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The manner in which most teams were beaten, particularly at Anfield, harked back to the unstoppable Liverpool sides of the late 70s and early 80s, and they'll certainly still be the team to beat next season.

What will be interesting to see is if any opponents will have worked out a way in which to dilute Slot's brilliantly executed possession-based game plan.

The manager has set the bar high and will likely be the favourite for this particular award.

2024/25 EPL record (37 games played): P37 W25 D8 L4 GF85 GA40 GD+45

Nuno Espirito Santo

Nottingham Forest have enjoyed something of a renaissance themselves under Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Tricky Trees can still qualify for next season's Champions League if they win their final game against Chelsea and results elsewhere go their way.

The first team to beat Liverpool this season, the win at Anfield was Forest's first in decades and they also followed it up with a win at Old Trafford for the first time since the mid-90s.

Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, gestures to the fans after the win over West Ham UnitedWestern/Colorsport / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Finishing last season in 17th place and just a few points from relegation wasn't just on the Portuguese - who took over in December 2023 - and hints at perhaps how brittle the confidence was in the squad.

A summer transfer window later and the opportunity to wipe the slate clean, Forest hit the ground running and never looked back.

That they've got anywhere close to the European places let alone at least be in the Conference League is a masterful achievement, and his three Manager of the Month awards in 24/25 (more than anyone else) recognises that.

2024/25 EPL record (37 games played): P37 W19 D8 L10 GF58 GA45 GD+13

Eddie Howe

After coming close to winning silverware previously and enjoying a Champions League campaign under Eddie Howe, Newcastle regressed a little in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Injuries and the added load of playing European football on top of domestic matches clearly took its toll.

This season, however, the Magpies have come back with a bang and, finally, the millstone around the collective necks of those at the club has been lifted. The Carabao Cup win over Liverpool at Wembley ended a 70-year wait for a major trophy, and Newcastle were good value for their triumph.

Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe holds the Carabao Cup trophy aloft after his side beat Liverpool at Wembley on March 16, 2025MI News/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The Champions League beckons once again, and if the squad can win their game over Everton in their final match they will secure a hugely creditable third-place finish.

Though it could be suggested that with the players and financial backing that Newcastle have, nothing less than regular Champions League qualification and domestic or European titles won is acceptable, it isn't a given that will be the case.

Where Howe can also celebrate a 'win' is the style of play he brings to the table. His side are so attractive to watch when in full flow that as long as he isn't forced into selling anyone, Newcastle could be a real force again next season.

2024/25 EPL record (37 games played): P37 W20 D6 L11 GF68 GA46 GD+22

Thomas Frank

When Ivan Toney was persuaded to leave Brentford for the riches of the Saudi Pro League, there were valid question marks as to who was going to step into the breach and score the goals to keep Brentford's Premier League status intact.

Fortunately, the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoan Wissa have stepped up and, with one game to go, should the Bees beat Wolves and Brighton lose to Tottenham, Thomas Frank will have guided his side to an eighth-place finish which would be Brentford's highest ever.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank before the Premier League match against Fulham.Bradley Collyer, PA Images / Alamy / Profimedia

That would be a fine reward for another season under Frank's brilliant tutelage, and it's also worth mentioning that even without Toney the squad have scored 65 goals.

Only Man City and the top four teams in the Premier League have scored more.

Given the resources that Frank and his backroom team have to work with, the Dane can once again be proud of his achievements this season.

2024/25 EPL record (37 games played): P37 W16 D7 L14 GF65 GA56 GD+9

Vitor Pereira

Although Wolves haven't really had a season to write home about, the job that Vitor Pereira has done at the club is nothing short of miraculous.

Taking over in December, the manager's focus was simple. Win enough games to pull them clear of relegation.

The Midlanders were 19th in the table when he walked through the door and Pereira had evidently inherited a squad devoid of all confidence. 

Wolves manager, Vitor Pereira, arrives at Selhurst Park ahead of the match against Crystal PalaceHenning Von Jagow / Actionplus / Profimedia

We often hear about a 'new manager bounce' but scarcely can it have been more apparent than at Wolves, as the club went on to win 10 and draw two of the next 18 matches.

Premier League status has been retained and the only question now is whether Pereira is given the funds to be able to build a side capable of challenging for the European places.

The 56-year-old certainly deserves to make this list even if he's considered the outsider.

2024/25 EPL record (37 games played): P37 W12 D5 L19 GF51 GA64 GD-13