The race to replace Ruben Amorim has taken another significant twist this morning, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner overtaking Enzo Maresca to become the clear favourite for the Manchester United vacancy.
Just 24 hours after Amorim’s dismissal, the betting markets have shifted decisively away from the immediate availability of Maresca and towards the proven Premier League stability of Glasner. According to reports from The Telegraph, the Austrian has been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as their primary candidate, with United impressed by his transformative work at Selhurst Park.
Context: The Rise of Glasner
Oliver Glasner’s stock has never been higher. Since arriving at Crystal Palace, he has not only steered them away from relegation trouble but delivered the club’s first-ever major trophy—the 2025 FA Cup—playing a high-octane brand of football that embarrassed United in their meetings last season.
While Enzo Maresca was the initial knee-jerk favourite following his own sacking by Chelsea, doubts reportedly linger over his suitability for another high-pressure "Big Six" job so soon after a failure. In contrast, Glasner is viewed as a "manageable risk." His tactical profile—favouring a 3-4-2-1 system similar to Amorim’s but with greater adaptability—is seen as a way to evolve the current squad rather than requiring another total rebuild.
The Betting Market Shift
The movement in the Next Manchester United Manager odds has been sharp. Glasner is now trading as the odds-on favourite across major bookmakers, suggesting that serious conversations are either planned or already underway.
Maresca remains the second favourite, largely because he is a free agent and could be appointed instantly, whereas prising Glasner away from Palace mid-season would require a significant compensation fee and intricate negotiations with Steve Parish. Other names, such as Gareth Southgate and Xavi Hernandez, have drifted significantly, indicating that this is rapidly becoming a two-horse race with a clear frontrunner.
Transfer Logic: Why Glasner Wins Out
INEOS’s new football structure, led by Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, prioritises data and tangible improvement over star power. Glasner’s ability to improve players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton suggests he can unlock the potential in United’s underperforming stars like Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
Furthermore, Glasner’s personality is viewed as a better fit for the current climate at Carrington. While Amorim was criticised for being distant and Maresca for being combustible, Glasner is renowned for his calm authority and clear communication—traits United desperately need as they try to salvage a European spot from the wreckage of this season.
What Happens Next?
With Darren Fletcher currently holding the fort as interim boss, United have a small window of breathing room. However, if the Telegraph’s reporting is accurate, an official approach to Crystal Palace could be imminent. The sticking point will be Palace’s reluctance to lose their manager in January, but money often talks—and United may feel Glasner is worth the premium.
Check the latest live odds for the next Manchester United manager here.