Sports
Man Utd looking at “one of the best coaches in the world”
It has been a real struggle for Ruben Amorim so far during his time at Manchester United.
Their latest result, a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, encapsulated everything that has been wrong with his tenure so far. The Red Devils struggled to create chances and dominate a game against one of the worst sides we’ve seen in the top-flight in recent years.
Indeed, the club’s record in the Premier League in 2025 was below par to say the least. They only won 13 of the 38 games they played, drawing 11 and losing 14, which is far from where United want, or need, to be.
INEOS may have no choice but to sack Amorim if things don’t improve soon, and they could have already identified his replacement.
Man United discussing move for Premier League manager
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the man with the final say at Old Trafford when it comes to decisions like sacking a manager, has shown he has the ruthlessness to do so. Erik ten Hag was removed from his post just over a year ago after a string of bad results.
If he does decide to do the same with Amorim, then Caught Offside are reporting that one of ‘the names being discussed internally’ by United is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. The club view him as a ‘safe pair of hands’ after his success with the Eagles.
One of the appealing factors with this deal is the fact that the Austrian is out of contract in the summer, meaning United are not going to need to activate a release clause or negotiate an exit from Selhurst Park.
They won’t get a clear run at his signature, though, with Chelsea also keen after parting company with Enzo Maresca.
Why Glasner would be an upgrade on Amorim
Whilst Amorim’s time at Old Trafford has been nothing short of underwhelming, Glasner has shone at Palace. He guided the club to two trophies, winning the FA Cup at the end of last season and the Community Shield as the curtain raiser for the current campaign.
Described as “one of the best coaches in the world” by journalist Buchi Laba, he’s turned the Eagles into a side that can churn out results in the Premier League effectively, thanks to explosive counter-attacking football.
Their attack has been spearheaded by Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Glasner has adapted well to losing Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze over the last few years.
When comparing the Premier League records of United’s current manager and the Palace boss, it is a stark contrast. Indeed, the Portuguese has a Premier League win rate of just 31.82%, whereas Glasner has won 39.13% of his matches in charge.
|
Glasner & Amorim PL record compared |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat |
||
|
Matches |
69 |
44 |
|
Wins |
27 |
14 |
|
Win rate |
31.82% |
39.13% |
|
Losses |
20 |
19 |
|
Goals for |
101 |
63 |
|
Goals against |
85 |
70 |
|
Points per game |
1.49 |
1.2 |
|
Stats from Transfermarkt |
||
One of the real sticking points with Amorim is the lack of opportunity he’s given to Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old is the jewel of United’s academy in recent years, but his manager simply will not give him an opportunity.
Mainoo has played 40 times under the Portuguese manager, but has only played an average of 19 full 90-minute games.
It is especially frustrating when you consider what he has already achieved in his short career so far. The Stockport-born midfielder scored the winning goal in an FA Cup final back in 2024, and started England’s Euro 2024 final. Those are but two examples.
Those fears may be squashed if Glasner takes the role at Old Trafford. He has perfectly platformed a player in a similar situation to Mainoo at Selhurst Park. Adam Wharton has shone under the Austrian since his move to South London, developing a reputation as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League.
Glasner has shown full faith in Wharton, operating in the pivot of his 3-4-2-1 system, ironically the same one that Amorim favours at Old Trafford. The ex-Blackburn Rovers star has played 65 times under the Eagles boss, averaging 51 full 90 minutes. That is the perfect example of platforming a young talent and giving him a full opportunity.
According to Sam Matterface, Glasner is a “top quality” manager, and it would not be a surprise to see United move for him. Not only has he got a far better record than Amorim, but it seems like he’d be willing and able to give Mainoo the chance he deserves at Old Trafford.
