Shearer warns Maresca’s job hinges on City’s title chase amid charges

Alan Shearer, the former Newcastle United striker, warned that Enzo Maresca’s future as Manchester City manager could be in jeopardy if the club does not clinch the Premier League title, especially while it battles 115 charges for an alleged breach of league rules.

The remarks were published by Mark Wakefield of Sport Central, listed as an Audience Writer, on Sep 7, 2026. View the images and Image accompanying the story; Comments followed the piece.

City’s flawless opening

City have enjoyed a perfect start to the Premier League this season, winning all three of their opening matches. Victories came against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City, leaving the Citizens unbeaten. The unbeaten run has placed them ahead of rivals in the early title race.

Those wins currently see City at the top of the Premier League table and one of only two clubs to maintain a 100 percent record, along with current champions Arsenal, who defeated Chelsea on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates.

Manchester City entered the campaign with Enzo Maresca as their new manager after Pep Guardiola departed in the summer following ten years at the Etihad Stadium. The appointment marks a new era after a decade of Guardiola’s dominance.

Shearer’s title warning

Shearer told Betfair, “You’re paying that amount of investment out to win the league. So City now have to be title challengers. And if they don’t win the league then I guess the manager would be under huge pressure. You don’t spend that money to finish second or third.”

He also expressed bewilderment at City’s transfer spending while the 115 charges remain unresolved. “I haven’t got a clue how Man City have been able to spend the money they have whilst they are still under those charges,” he said, recalling a recent interview with Richard Masters in which the club’s chief executive referred to an independent commission decision.

City’s recent signings include Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in deals worth more than £100 million each, Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal reportedly worth up to £86 million, and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for around £65 million.

Shearer concluded that the pressure on MAN and CITY will only intensify if the title slips away, leaving Maresca’s job hanging on the club’s ability to convert its massive outlay into silverware.