Oliver Glasner has denied speculation linking him with Manchester United’s vacant managerial job, refusing to answer questions about his role at Old Trafford. Crystal Palace’s head coach is believed to be the frontrunner for the position after Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday following a string of poor results and a souring relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Glasner is believed to have supporters at Old Trafford and are thought to be keen for the opportunity. His current contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of the season, at which point he is expected to leave Selhurst Park.
The 51-year-old has been an outstanding player in south London, winning the club’s first major trophy last season after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, but he has also been outspoken about his concerns about transfer policy at Palace.
He stands out among the candidates for United’s full-time role, but when asked if the players should support him as manager at Old Trafford, he sidestepped the inquiry and tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“I’m not allowed to bet. There’s a section in my contract that says I’m not allowed to bet, and I haven’t seen it,” Glassner said.
“Also, I cannot give out insider information. It would also be a breach of my contract. I am the manager of Crystal Palace and there is no point in you asking any more questions about it.”
Palace are trying to persuade Glasner to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park, but the Austrian is still unconvinced and could seize the opportunity at United as Amorim’s replacement.
Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim head coach at Old Trafford, with the Under-18s manager set to oversee first-team duties this week against Burnley on Wednesday and against Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.
United are then expected to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season before making a permanent appointment, with Glasner the frontrunner on the shortlist.
