Oliver Glasner emerges as prime candidate for Manchester United job

Oliver Glasner has emerged as a prime candidate for the Manchester United job after confirming he will depart Crystal Palace at season’s end. The 51-year-old Austrian manager is at the center of intense speculation just hours after revealing his future plans on January 16, 2026.

When Glasner Confirmed His Palace Exit

Glasner publicly confirmed his summer departure just hours before Crystal Palace’s match against Sunderland on Saturday, January 18. The Austrian tactician had informed Steve Parish, the club’s chairman, back in October during an international break. He chose to keep the decision confidential for three months to maintain squad focus, but ultimately decided transparency was necessary.

“A decision has already been taken, months ago,” Glasner stated. “I told him: ‘I will not sign a new contract'” after their meeting. The timing appeared strategic, allowing Palace to plan for his post-season departure while avoiding distractions during their crucial campaign push.

Why Manchester United Are Watching Closely

Manchester United are actively rebuilding their managerial structure after Ruben Amorim’s struggles prompted his removal from the old Trafford hot seat. Michael Carrick has impressed as interim head coach, making tactical adjustments that showed early promise. However, the Red Devils hierarchy views summer 2026 as the ideal window to secure a permanent long-term solution.

Glasner ranks among the top four candidates being considered, according to multiple credible sources. His proven track record in England and his recent FA Cup triumph have elevated his profile significantly. United executives see him as a viable option who could potentially replace the struggling Amorim regime with tactical coherence.

Crystal Palace Performance and Recent Controversy

Factor	Details
Major Achievement	Led Crystal Palace to FA Cup victory in 2025
Recent Result	2-1 loss to Sunderland January 18, 2026
Key Departure	Captain Marc Guéhi transferred to Manchester City
Formation	Prefers 3-4-3 tactical system

Glasner’s explosive comments after Palace’s Sunderland defeat rattled the club hierarchy. He felt “abandoned completely” after the sale of club captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City was finalized just one day before the match. Palace executives initially considered sacking him following the outburst, but ultimately decided to retain him through season’s end.

“We feel like we’re being abandoned completely. Selling our captain one day before a game, there is no understanding for this. If your heart gets ripped out twice a year, with Eze one day before a game in the summer and your captain one day before a game – I’ve just got no understanding.”

— Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace Manager

Tactical Doubts Raised by Former Manchester United Goalkeeper

Ben Foster, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, has publicly expressed serious reservations about Glasner’s potential appointment at Old Trafford. Foster believes the job would be “too big” for the Austrian manager, particularly concerning his rigid tactical approach.

Foster’s primary concern centers on Glasner’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, which differs significantly from Manchester United’s squad composition. “He would try and play the same formation that he’s trying to play at Crystal Palace with Manchester United and he hasn’t got the players,” Foster argued on his Fozcast podcast. The ex-keeper highlighted that Palace possess specialized wing-backs perfectly suited for that system, while United’s squad lacks those specific profiles.

Could Oliver Glasner Actually Become Manchester United’s Next Manager?

Multiple summer candidates remain in contention for the Manchester United role beyond Glasner. Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Carlo Ancelotti, and Gareth Southgate have all been mentioned as potential options. Michael Carrick’s impressive interim performance has also fueled speculation that he could earn the permanent position.

While Glasner’s departure from Crystal Palace opens the door for Manchester United exploration, the tactical fit concerns raised by Foster suggest Old Trafford chiefs must carefully evaluate whether his European system would translate effectively to the demands of English football at elite level. The decision will ultimately rest with Manchester United executives as they weigh proven achievement against squad compatibility heading into the summer transfer window.

Sources

• The Guardian – Oliver Glasner confirms he will leave Crystal Palace role in summer
• Manchester Evening News – Man United given blunt verdict on appointing Oliver Glasner as new manager
• GiveMeSport – Manchester United considered Oliver Glasner top summer transfer target