Oliver Glasner has addressed questions surrounding links to Manchester United amid increasing pressure for Rúben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim is facing mounting scrutiny at Manchester United after a disappointing run of results to start the 2025/26 season.
Despite an encouraging pre-season tour in the United States, United opened their campaign with a defeat to Arsenal, though the performance offered promise. A draw with Fulham and a shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town quickly dampened the optimism.
Amorim then earned his first league victory with a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley, sealed by a stoppage-time Bruno Fernandes penalty.
However, since the September international break, United have suffered a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, edged past a 10-man Chelsea side 2-1 at Old Trafford, and were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the weekend, further intensifying the pressure on the head coach.
Glasner responds to United links
Amid continued uncertainty surrounding Amorim’s position as United’s head coach, there have been numerous rumours circulating as to who could replace the Portuguese boss.
One such man is Oliver Glasner. The Austrian’s Crystal Palace team are currently on an 18-match unbeaten run and sits second in the Premier League table, having recently won the FA Cup and Community Shield against Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively.
The 51-year-old plays a similar formation to Amorim with his 3-4-3 at Selhurst Park. Amid his continued brilliance in England, he is reportedly on United’s shortlist for the position if a change is needed.
In the Austrian version of Kicker, the Palace boss was asked directly about his links to United. Glanser’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, so there is naturally a lot of talk about where he could end up next summer if he does not sign an extension at Selhurst Park.
“There are a lot of rumours circulating about you again. From Manchester United in the short term to all sorts of top clubs after 2026,” Glasner was asked. “Are these reports annoying or amusing you, and can you reveal when you and Palace plan to discuss your future again?”
In reply, the manager said, “I follow all the rumours – and that’s all there is – neutrally and completely relaxed. Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”
Are United problems coming from system or profiles?
There has been considerable debate surrounding INEOS’ decision to hire a manager who is so committed to playing three centre-backs, with many suggesting that this strays too far from United’s traditions and style of play.
The last team to win a Premier League title while playing with three defenders is Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in the 2016/17 season. Since then, top-half clubs have seen little sustainable success while playing a back three.
While Glanser’s Crystal Palace side operates in a similar structure to Amorim’s United, the instructions appear to be wildly different, leading many to question the root problems that are happening at Old Trafford.
United signed multiple players last summer who were identified as fantastic fits for Amorim’s instructions and system. Still, questions remain about whether the basic outline that the head coach asks for from his players is capable of surviving in the Premier League.
If INEOS want to pursue a manager who plays three central defenders after Amorim, then Glasner is the obvious choice. But if they want to change their tactics, then heading for the Austrian may not be a possibility.
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