Man United’s Quiet Masterplan: The Race for a Long-Term Manager Begins
5 January 2026
Manchester United's search for a permanent successor
Manchester United have reportedly identified Austria’s Oliver Glasner, head coach of Crystal Palace, as the frontrunner to replace Robin Amorim, with the club leaning toward waiting for the summer transfer window to appoint a long-term coach.
According to The Independent, United's leadership at INEOS faces a pivotal decision after a string of missteps that left the club in rebuild mode.
The club is revisiting names previously considered in the 2024 summer, including Kieran Makina (Ipswich Town manager) and Enzo Maresca's work at Chelsea attracting interest.
Leading candidates and timing
Glasner has drawn attention by turning Crystal Palace into one of the Premier League's most challenging teams and guiding them to their first trophy, the 2025 FA Cup, a landmark for the club.
Although questions remain about whether his style suits a team seeking to dominate possession and his use of a back three, his adaptability reportedly outweighed Amorim's approach.
The timing could be ideal for Manchester United if they wait until summer, as it is widely expected the 51-year-old will leave Selhurst Park then.
In this season, Glasner has faced tensions, publicly complaining about selling Palace players and urging more signings.
Nevertheless, there is a sense he may aim to finish the season with Palace, chasing the club's first European trophy in the Conference League.
Meanwhile, some sources say Julian Nagelsmann could still receive a chance, especially with Chris Vivell, United's director of acquisitions, who knows their work well from their RB Leipzig days.
Nagelsmann may also want to return to club management after the 2026 World Cup with Germany.
The decision will hinge on how quickly co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to lock in a permanent manager, but the prevailing feeling since Amorim's departure is that United will bide their time.
Punchline 1: Patience might be United's new formation—defensive wall and a calendar full of waiting.
Punchline 2: If timing wins trophies, United are about to hit the jackpot—just not in the next transfer window.
