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Top 10 Premier League Managers in History: From Ferguson to Arteta

Since the Premier League began in 1992, only thirteen managers have lifted the title. But deciding who ranks among the top 10 involves more than just counting trophies.

Longevity and Wins

Longevity is a factor. David Moyes, for example, managed 755 Premier League games—behind only Arsene Wenger (828) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810). Moyes holds the third-most wins (291) but is far behind Wenger’s 476 and Ferguson’s 528. Pep Guardiola, despite fewer matches, matches Moyes’ win count, while Harry Redknapp ranks fourth in games (641), fifth in wins (236), and also in goals scored (818).

Win percentage matters too. Mauricio Pochettino, who managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea, never won the title but maintained over 50% wins across more than 100 Premier League games.

Still, only those with at least one Premier League title make this list, leaving three managers out despite their records.

Close Calls and Exclusions

Arne Slot of Liverpool misses out first, along with Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte. Pellegrini impressed at Manchester City before Guardiola took over, averaging 1.92 goals per game. Yet his inconsistent spells and poor form at West Ham keep him off the list. Conte’s ups and downs at Chelsea and Spurs also leave him out. They are edged out by Carlo Ancelotti, the only manager to win league titles in England, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.

Top 10 Premier League Managers

  • 10. Carlo Ancelotti - Premier League champion 2009-10 with Chelsea. Known as "King Carlo," he claimed titles across Europe and five Champions League trophies. Despite winning on his first attempt in England, his second season faltered leading to his exit. Later managed Everton before returning to Real Madrid.
  • 9. Mikel Arteta - Secured the 2025-26 Premier League title with Arsenal, ending an eight-year dominance by Manchester City or Liverpool. His robust style silenced critics, making him the only current Premier League manager with a title.
  • 8. Roberto Mancini - Guided Manchester City to their first league title in over 40 years in 2011-12 with dramatic late goals. He boasts the fourth-best points-per-game ratio among managers with over 100 games and the fifth-best win percentage.
  • 7. Kenny Dalglish - Won the Premier League in 1994-95 with Blackburn Rovers and had prior success at Liverpool before the Premier League era. He remains one of the few to win England's top flight with two clubs.
  • 6. Claudio Ranieri - Famous for Leicester City's 2015-16 title, defying 5,000-1 odds. Previously led Chelsea to second place in 2004, nearly clinching the Champions League semi-finals.
  • 5. Jurgen Klopp - Led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years during the 2019-20 season. Despite high points totals in other seasons, competition from Manchester City limited his trophy haul.
  • 4. Jose Mourinho - Won three Premier League titles with Chelsea (2004-05, 2005-06, 2014-15). Known for transforming Chelsea into a dominant force, his tenure included memorable defensive records and intense rivalries.
  • 3. Arsene Wenger - Claimed three titles with Arsenal, including the unbeaten 2003-04 season. Though his later years saw no further league wins, Wenger revolutionized English football tactics and professionalism.
  • 2. Pep Guardiola - Achieved six Premier League titles with Manchester City between 2017 and 2024, including a record four consecutive wins and a 100-point season. His style reshaped English football from grassroots to elite.
  • 1. Sir Alex Ferguson - Dominated the Premier League's first two decades with 13 titles. His ability to rebuild teams kept Manchester United at the summit, making him the most successful manager in English top-flight history by a wide margin.

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