Manchester United's Managerial Search: Oliver Glasner Emerges as Frontrunner to Replace Ruben Amorim
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has reportedly emerged as Manchester United’s top target to replace Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese tactician was sacked. While a temporary appointment is expected to see out the 2025-26 season, attention is already turning towards potential long-term successors.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has reportedly emerged as Manchester United’s “top target” to replace Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils find themselves in the market for a new manager after taking the decision to relieve Portuguese tactician Amorim of his duties. Glasner has impressed in the Premier League at Selhurst Park and is on the radar of those at Old Trafford, although an interim appointment is expected to see out the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.Having faced calls for Amorim to be axed across several months, United finally took decisive action on January 5. They cleared the prominent seat in their dugout after seeing an explosive outburst aimed in the direction of their board.Amorim, who struggled for positive results throughout his reign with the Red Devils, made his position untenable when speaking out on the back of a 1-1 draw at Leeds. He stated a desire there to see out his contract through to 2027, but has been denied that opportunity. He had also clashed with director of football Jason Wilcox in a meeting before that game.The Red Devils said in a brief statement released on the club’s official website: "With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."With Amorim gone, attention is now turning towards potential successors. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is currently in charge of their Under-18 side, has been handed the reins on a caretaker basis.According to The Telegraph, Glasner is a leading contender to take over at Old Trafford once a permanent appointment is made. It is claimed that the “United hierarchy are huge admirers of the work the Austrian has done at Crystal Palace”.Glasner’s contract in south London is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, with no extension to those terms being agreed as yet. His name is said to have already been discussed in Manchester.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!The Telegraph goes on to report that “there is also still significant support for Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton and Hove Albion head coach who is in charge of French club Marseille”.United interviewed De Zerbi during the summer of 2024, when questions were being asked of Erik ten Hag’s future. The Dutchman was ultimately handed a new contract, but only lasted until October of that year.It is said that there “remains huge admiration for De Zerbi” at Old Trafford. The Italian is said to be open to the idea of returning to the Premier League at some stage, but Glasner is considered to be a “more likely target” for now.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingPalace are, however, expected to put up a fight when it comes to retaining the services of their Austrian boss. If they make him see out his contract, then United would be unable to do a deal until the summer. With that in mind, BBC Sport reports that the Red Devils “hope to appoint a caretaker for the rest of the season”.Fletcher, who knows all about the club from his playing days, is not considered to be a contender to fill that role. It has previously been suggested that another former United midfielder, Michael Carrick, could be drafted in as he remains out of work after severing ties with Middlesbrough last summer.He spent three matches at the helm prior to United appointing Ralf Rangnick in December 2021. The Telegraph claims it is “unlikely” that Carrick would be interested in a “temporary role at Old Trafford”.Glasner, who favours the 3-4-2-1 system that caused Amorim so much trouble at Old Trafford, remains the preferred long-term choice for United. Several other names have, however, been added to the pot - including Enzo Maresca, who was sacked by fellow Premier League giants Chelsea on New Year’s Day.
Manchester United's Decision to Part Ways with Ruben Amorim
After a string of disappointing results and a public outburst directed at the board, Manchester United made the tough decision to relieve Ruben Amorim of his managerial duties. Amorim's reign was plagued by poor performances and internal conflicts, ultimately leading to his departure.
Darren Fletcher Takes Charge Temporarily
Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been appointed as the caretaker manager following Amorim's sacking. Fletcher, who currently oversees the Under-18 side, will lead the team until a permanent appointment is made.
Oliver Glasner: The Leading Contender
Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner has emerged as a frontrunner to take over at Old Trafford on a permanent basis. The United hierarchy reportedly admires Glasner's work at Selhurst Park and sees him as a suitable candidate to lead the team forward.
Other Potential Candidates
While Glasner is considered the top target, Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton and Marseille head coach, also garners significant support at Manchester United. However, Glasner is currently seen as the more likely choice for the long-term role.
Interim Appointment and Future Plans
With Palace likely to resist any immediate move for Glasner, United are looking to appoint a caretaker manager for the remainder of the season. Michael Carrick and other former players have been mentioned as potential interim solutions.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester United navigate the process of finding a new manager, the focus remains on securing the right candidate to steer the club in the right direction. The search for Amorim's successor is crucial, with Glasner emerging as a prominent figure in the discussions.







