Manchester United have reportedly identified Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as a leading candidate to take over as head coach following the departure of Ruben Amorim. The 51-year-old Austrian, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June, has impressed during his tenure in South London and is now on the radar of the Old Trafford hierarchy.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Oliver Glasner boasts a CV that includes tangible silverware on the continent and in England. Before his move to the Premier League, he guided Eintracht Frankfurt to a memorable UEFA Europa League triumph in 2022, defeating Barcelona and West Ham en route to the title. He had previously secured Champions League football for Wolfsburg.
His achievements at Crystal Palace have been historic. Taking over in February 2024, he ensured Premier League survival before leading the club to its first major trophy – the FA Cup – with a famous Wembley victory over Manchester City. He followed this by winning the Community Shield against Liverpool.
Tactical Flexibility and Philosophy
While Glasner is currently associated with an attacking 3-4-3 formation that utilises wing-backs, he is far from a rigid tactician. He has explained that his system at Palace is shaped by his squad's profile, notably the lack of "physical monsters in central midfield."
His philosophy, however, remains constant. "I have played 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, 3-4-3, 3-5-2, I played everything, but the patterns were the same," Glasner has said. This adaptability would be a significant asset at a club like Manchester United, which requires a coach to maximise the potential of a varied squad.
Practical and Financial Sense for United
The financial aspect of any appointment is crucial. United are set to pay a reported £10 million in compensation to release Amorim from his contract. In contrast, Glasner will be a free agent in the summer, allowing the club to redirect funds towards player recruitment after a £200 million spend last summer.
Furthermore, Glasner has openly expressed his enjoyment of life in London and the UK, suggesting a move to Manchester would not involve a complex personal transition. His handling of high-profile player departures, such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and the ongoing situation with captain Marc Guehi, demonstrates a smart and diplomatic approach to club management.
Despite Crystal Palace breaking their transfer record to sign Brennan Johnson for £35 million this January, Glasner has hinted at frustrations with the club's ambition, stating he "would have wished for a little bit more backing." With key players likely to depart and European football unlikely to be a consistent feature, there is a sense that Glasner may have taken Palace as far as he can, making a step up to a club of United's stature a logical next move for a proven winner.
