Manchester United fans came into this season with optimism that, after a summer of big signings and time dedicated to learning Ruben Amorim’s system, things at the club may improve. However, inconsistencies and poor performances here have continued this season, with the latest defeat coming at the hands of Brentford in the Premier League.
Following the defeat, Amorim was asked whether he is confident that he can turn things around.
“It’s like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is there.
“When you lose, you go back to the same place, and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum. Guys, I’m always doing my job. If I win, I’m in a different state of mind. That is normal. I’m always confident because I know what to do.”
Despite the manager’s refusal to admit defeat, Sir Jim Radcliffe and INEOS are not taking any chances and are already preparing alternatives in case Amorim can’t turn things around.
Parish keen to keep hold of Glasner
Reports are indicating that high on Manchester United’s list of potential replacements for Amorim is Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner. In the summer, it was reported that tensions were high between Glasner and Club chairman Steve Parish following Liverpool’s approach for club captain Marc Guehi.
Despite Guehi remaining at the club following the closure of the transfer window, he still looks set to leave with less than a year left on his contract. Guehi would be the latest in a string of high-profile departures from Palace that included Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze. United may exploit this tension to try to bring Glasner to Old Trafford if they decide to part ways with Amorim.
However, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Parish is still working hard to keep Glasner beyond the end of the season.
“Oliver Glasner is still Crystal Palace manager, he still has ambitions in South London – but ultimately the club need to match them. If Glasner is a top-four quality manager as he looks to be, can Palace keep him? Maybe, but it is going to be very difficult.
“Palace would love a new deal now, but it looks like that is a non-starter until the New Year. Palace know Man United are interested, they know others are looking, and that is a concern, but as they have seen with their players in recent years – when big clubs are circling, it is hard to fend them off. But Steve Parish has not given up on Glasner being Palace manager beyond this season.”
How Glasner could turn things around at United
Despite having the same controversial tactical set-up as Amorim, Glasner has already proved that he can win trophies at multiple clubs. His silverware includes the FA Cup, which he won with Crystal Palace and the Europa League, which he won with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Glasner has also proven himself a cut above Amorim in terms of managing Premier League clubs. Glasner has managed more games to a greater level of success than the Portuguese manager, with the Palace boss overseeing 71 games with an average points per game of 1.77 compared to Amorim, who has only managed 1.35 points per game in his 49 managerial outings.
One thing that might cause concern with appointing Glasner is that he favours a similar 3-4-2-1 formation to Amorim. While Glasner has found success with this at Palace, his squad seem more suited to it, and United have struggled to adapt to the system. This means that Glasner runs the risk of facing the same problems that Amorim has, and he may have to adapt his system.
Overall, it seems like Glasner is the better manager than Amorim, but his style of play doesn’t suit the United squad, and the club may find itself in the same situation if they appoint him.