Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday after their 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Sunday. Whilst the result against Leeds United wasn’t terrible in isolation, Amorim appeared a man condemned in his post match press conference.
After picking at deficiencies with those under his charge for months, this time his negative attention turned to those above him. Whether that was in reaction to knowing he was on the way out, or the final straw ahead of his exit, may never be fully known.
In the aftermath, multiple managers have been named as possibilities. Those names have all been mentioned in recent months anyway, and were always likely to return. One of the men involved is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles boss is very close to his native Austria and the media there. At times it’s seemed like Glasner just won’t turn down an interview in Austria, out of politeness rather than a need to continually be heard.
Despite that, he’s clearly used those links to share Crystal Palace grievances at times.
Crystal Palace manager used Austrian media to complain about transfers
At the end of July, Glasner spoke to the Austrian media about his transfer frustrations at Crystal Palace.
“Even though all the players are still here,” the manager said. “We haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.
“As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible.”
That didn’t go down universally well among Crystal Palace fans, with some feeling it was a sign of trouble to come.
Being well aware of the weight of his words, the manager then spoke to the Austrian media again, two weeks later. This time, it was more about ambition and what he could achieve with the Eagles.
There were also kind words for supporters: “I want the fans to be happy. When I think about how they celebrated at Wembley, I get goosebumps. That feeling of satisfaction is something no amount of money can buy. Many have said they never expected to win a title with Crystal Palace – and that their dream has come true. Being able to contribute to that is the reason why I spend 70 to 80 hours a week playing football, far away from my family.”
Sky Sport Austria now pushing Manchester United
On Monday afternoon, Sky Sport Austria reported Oliver Glasner is a genuine candidate for Manchester United. This is according to their own information, and any move would be at the end of the season.
Glasner’s contract expires at the end of June, making any move straightforward.
There would be no compensation payable, which may be attractive to Manchester United.
Old Trafford links don’t come in a vacuum
The Austrian media are relatively calm compared to their colleagues in neighbouring Germany or in the UK. There’s not a great deal of sensationalism.
That said, the Crystal Palace manager has been linked to Liverpool, by the same Sky Sport Austria, and Tottenham in recent months.
Glasner and those around him are hardly going to be unhappy with such claims. Whatever he does next, being linked with such clubs can only be beneficial.
Even if he surprises many and decides on a Crystal Palace renewal, his negotiating hand will be stronger. That’s not necessarily in terms of demanding a higher salary, but rather commitments for growth.
Plenty of time ahead for Manchester United
For the next match, against Burnley on Wednesday, and perhaps for the Brighton & Hove Albion game following, Darren Fletcher will be in charge.
Then the likeliest step is a caretaker until the end of the season. That gives Manchester United plenty of time to decide the option they really want.
