Oliver Glasner is among the leading contenders to succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, but the Crystal Palace boss may also pose some problems for the club’s hierarchy.
Oliver Glasner isn’t afraid of speaking his mind in press conferences.(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Manchester United endured a frosty end with their relationship with Ruben Amorim before deciding to sack the head coach after their draw with Leeds. But they may not be free from tension, depending on who they appoint.
Oliver Glasner is among the early front-runners to replace Amorim on a permanent basis, The Manchester Evening News understands, and has built a reputation for being outspoken during his managerial career so far. Having seen Amorim express his frustration at being treated as a coach rather than a manager, there could even be a degree of caution.
In November 2020, after being recognised as a quiet character, Glasner spoke out against the hierarchy of then-employers, Wolfsburg. The Austrian took aim at sporting director Jorg Schmadtke – who later helped sign Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch for Liverpool.
“One of our targets was to bring in a player with pace and deep runs,” Glasner said. “We didn’t manage to do that, despite talking about it for months.”
Schmadtke hit back in an interview, calling Glasner’s ideas “unrealistic” in response.
The pair’s relationship ultimately broke down and, despite guiding Wolfsburg to the Champions League, Glasner departed for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Oliver Glasner is one of the favourites to succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.(Image: Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Likewise, at Crystal Palace, Glasner has been unafraid to kick up a fuss. Their FA Cup-winning manager has repeatedly expressed his frustration at the Eagles’ failure to invest adequately in preparation for European competition.
“I would have wished for a little bit more backing, yes,” said Glasner back in November. “I think in January we just correct what we failed to do in the summer. By January, we have played 60/65 per cent of the season. Let’s see.”
The Palace boss is also said to have threatened to walk away from Selhurst Park if they sold defender Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day this summer.
England international Guehi had all-but signed for Liverpool before the plug was pulled on a deal at the 11th hour.
While such actions may serve as a warning to United chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, Amorim’s words may also serve as a caution to Glasner, as well.
The Portuguese recently vented over his inability to play his preferred formation, with Glasner also preferring to play with three central defenders.
“I have the feeling if we have to play our perfect 3-4-3, that we need to spend a lot of money and we need time,” Amorim said. “I’m starting to understand that’s not going to happen. So, maybe now I have to adapt.”
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