Oliver Glasner: The Crystal Palace Boss Leading Man United’s Managerial Race
January 24, 2026 — In the latest chapter of Manchester United’s ongoing managerial saga, one name has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take the Old Trafford hot seat: Oliver Glasner. The Austrian tactician currently managing Crystal Palace has become the bookmakers’ favorite and the subject of intense speculation following Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this month.
The Frontrunner
Since Amorim’s dismissal on January 6, 2026, after just 14 months in charge, Manchester United have been methodically assessing their options for a permanent replacement. According to multiple reports, Glasner has emerged as the heavy favorite, with sources indicating that United’s hierarchy has been particularly impressed with his work at Crystal Palace.
The 51-year-old Austrian has transformed Palace since arriving in 2024, most notably leading the Eagles to their first major trophy in club history by winning the FA Cup last season. That accomplishment alone has elevated Glasner’s profile significantly in English football circles.
Glasner’s Coy Response
When pressed about the United links during a press conference earlier this month, Glasner displayed the diplomatic deflection that has become standard for managers in his position. With characteristic humor, he noted that his Crystal Palace contract prohibits him from betting, making a wry joke about the odds-makers installing him as a favorite for the United job.
“I’m Crystal Palace manager,” Glasner stated firmly. “It just makes no sense and it’s wasted time for you to ask me any more questions, so I don’t talk about any other club.”
His response, while refusing to engage with the speculation directly, notably didn’t include a definitive commitment to remaining at Palace beyond this season.
The Contract Situation
One factor making Glasner an attractive option for United is timing. The Austrian boss is out of contract at Selhurst Park on June 30, 2026, meaning he would be available on a free transfer at the end of this season. Palace have reportedly put contract extension talks on hold, further fueling speculation about his future.
Glasner himself has been philosophical about the precarious nature of managerial contracts in modern football. Referencing Amorim’s situation, he observed that the former United boss had 18 months remaining on his deal yet still found himself unemployed, illustrating that contract length provides little job security in the Premier League.
“You can win trophies and six months later you aren’t the manager there anymore,” Glasner noted. “I think if you see the length of a contract it doesn’t mean anything about the future.”
Why United Want Him
Manchester United’s interest in Glasner centers on several key factors. His tactical flexibility stands in stark contrast to Amorim’s rigid adherence to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which contributed to tensions at Old Trafford. While Glasner often employs a back three, he has demonstrated willingness to adapt his tactics to suit available personnel.
His man-management skills and ability to develop players have also caught United’s attention. At Palace, he’s maximized the potential of players who had previously underperformed, creating a cohesive unit that punches above its weight in terms of resources.
The FA Cup triumph provided tangible evidence of Glasner’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and compete against elite opposition. Beating Manchester City in a cup final is exactly the kind of statement victory that resonates with United’s decision-makers.
Recent Struggles Raise Questions
However, Glasner’s candidacy isn’t without concerns. Crystal Palace’s recent form has been troubling, with the team failing to win their last six Premier League matches. They currently sit 13th in the table, just four points above Manchester United in seventh place.
The situation worsened dramatically when Palace suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield on January 10, with Glasner himself admitting his team showed “no kind of quality” and suggesting their under-21 side would have performed better.
These struggles have led some to question whether the recent dip in form might cool United’s interest or whether it simply reflects Palace’s limited resources compared to the club’s overachievement under Glasner’s guidance.
The Competition
While Glasner leads the race, United are reportedly considering multiple candidates. England manager Thomas Tuchel represents a high-profile alternative, though his commitment to the upcoming World Cup makes him unavailable in the immediate term. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, recently departed from Stamford Bridge, also features in discussions, as do Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna.
The Interim Solution
In the short term, United have appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season, beating out fellow club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the interim role. Carrick led the team to a disappointing 2-2 draw with Burnley in his first match in charge, highlighting the challenges facing whoever eventually takes the permanent position.
Financial Expectations
Reports suggest that if Glasner does make the move to Old Trafford, he could command a salary in the region of £5 million per year. Given his contract situation at Palace, the financial terms are unlikely to present major obstacles.