The Championship is one of the toughest leagues in the world, and this year is tougher than ever.
It’s a division Manchester United often loans players to develop, or even permanently.
In the 2026/27 season, goalkeeper Radek Vitek is an example, completing a move to Middlesbrough during the summer transfer window.
Last campaign, young left-back Harry Amass had loans at Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall respectively, proving an important player for the former but only playing once for the Canaries after picking up a hamstring injury.
One manager who has felt the full force of the league this season is Preston North End’s Paul Heckingbottom, who spent two years at Manchester United in his playing days.
North End have won just one of their first seven league games, leading them to firing their manager today.
In a statement, the club have confirmed, “Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager.
“Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable.
“Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none.”
It’s a fair enough decision. Heckingbottom was doing okay with some decent backing, but the early stages of the season make Preston look in some serious danger. The club secured the return of Alfie Devine on a permanent basis, and while they missed out on Lewis Dobbin, who went to Southampton, should have a team capable of doing better than they are.
Only Burnley, who are winless, sit below them in the table.
The club will now continue their season without the former Manchester United midfielder, who will now look elsewhere in his career.
Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager.
Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start… pic.twitter.com/j3BG4HzAMc
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) September 13, 2026