The Gunners could have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points if United win the derby against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City earlier in the day.
It was one of the most interesting Fridays of the season as first-team managers spoke to the media ahead of a crucial Premier League weekend.
One manager has announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the season, while also confirming that the captain is set to leave in the January transfer window.
Another head coach talks about how he plans to ignore outside noise to achieve his goals at his new club. TNT Sports will bring you this week’s manager’s press conference.
Glasner announces his second surprise retirement
Friday was an eventful day for Crystal Palace supporters, and not for good reason.
“The decision had already been made several months ago. I met with Steve (Diocese) in October during my international vacation,” he explained.
“We had a very long discussion and I told him I would not sign a new contract. At that point we both agreed that it was best to keep this private between us. That was the best we could do and we would keep it private for three months.”
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Highlight: Macclesfield SHOCK Holder Crystal Palace used in cup set for many years
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“But it’s important to be clear right now and we didn’t want to talk about it because we had a very busy schedule. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace. Steve and I have no egos. We think it’s important to be clear now because that’s what the players, the staff and all the fans deserve.”
“My latest understanding is that the deal with Mark is in the final stages,” he said.
“The contract has not yet been finalized so I cannot confirm it, but the contract is in its final stages and as a result Marc will not be playing for us tomorrow.”
Carrick is going to ignore the outside noise.
“If people can’t stand the criticism of Gary Nevils and everything, then they need to change clubs.”
New caretaker manager Michael Carrick decided to take a different stance with the Portuguese in his first press conference since returning to the club on Friday afternoon.
Despite only being in charge for a few days, Carrick has already faced some criticism from former United captain Roy Keane, but the former England international was quick to brush aside any outside distractions.
“(The former players) are not putting any more pressure on me. I don’t feel that way. There are a lot of opinions out there, some positive, some not too much.
“It doesn’t matter at all in terms of what I’m focused on. I know what we want to improve and how we want to work with the players.
“There’s a lot that can be said. That’s the way the world works. I’m not going to pay too much attention to that. For me, the players and the staff, the focus is on how to be successful.”
Slott confirms Salah meeting
Are we starting to see reconciliation between Arne Slott and Mohamed Salah?
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‘I’m glad he’s back’ – Salah’s spot on return from AFCON
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“I’m happy to have him back,” Slott said. “Mo was so important to this club and to me, so I’m delighted to have him back.
“Even if we had 15 attackers we would be happy to have Mo back, but that’s not our situation. We’ll be happy to have him back after tomorrow’s important game.”
Ms Slott added: “What happened to Mo and I on the phone and here remains a matter for both of us.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to share the details of the phone calls and private conversations here with the players.”
Arteta takes down Rice row
Despite reaching the FA Cup fourth round at the top of the league and with one foot in the Carabao Cup final, there were moments of frustration for the Gunners in midweek.
Footage circulating on social media showed Rice’s teammates had to diffuse the situation, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also dismissed the incident on Friday.
He said, “The good thing is, by the time I knew it, the problem had been resolved, which was great.”
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No filter: Martinelli silences Portsmouth boos with hat-trick
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The Spaniard also praised summer signing Victor Goqueres, whose striker scored in an exhibition game against The Blues in midweek.
“He’s been really trying,” he explained. “He was really consistent and I thought he had a great game against Chelsea and scored the goal that helped us win.
“When you do what he did the last few years, you set a standard and everyone expects you to maintain it.
“It’s part of the expectation, but it’s not just for Victor. It’s for every No. 9 at every top club, every player and in my seat.
“We’re very good and we’re expected to keep winning. That’s what we have to strive for.”
Guardiola thanks Man City for being ‘patient’
It’s another Manchester derby and Josep Guardiola will face another manager in the Old Trafford dugout on Saturday afternoon.
Guardiola has faced five different United managers in his 10 years in charge of City, and Carrick will be the sixth if the two clubs meet again.
Despite the dominance he built during his time at the Etihad, Guardiola went through one of the toughest periods of his career last season, with City finishing third in the league and suffering a shock defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
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‘I have nothing to say’, Guardiola warns amid reports that Guehi’s move to Manchester City is imminent
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Guardiola thanked the club’s management for their patience and persistence during that difficult period.
“Results, results. If you don’t win, you’re fired,” he said. “I’m sitting here because we’ve had a lot of wins. If we don’t win, I’m going to get fired.
“There’s no other secret. We’re more patient here. If it was another club after last season, I wouldn’t be here anymore. They’re patient and that’s what we’ve done in the past.”
“It’s been a really bad three months. If I was at another club I probably wouldn’t be here, but the past was really good. That’s why I’m still here.”
Manager Moyes focuses on transfer in January
Everton are winless in 2026 but manager David Moyes is confident good things are just around the corner.
The Toffees face a tough trip to Aston Villa this weekend, but the Scot’s main comments focused on the January transfer window and whether they can bring in new players to help the team until the end of the season.
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Highlights: Roofs saves three Sunderland penalties in win against Everton
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He explained: “Every manager wants to get bigger numbers (within the budget), but I think the club has outlined what they spent in the summer, that was the main part. That’s not me saying it, the CEO is saying it as well. We don’t expect to do too much business.”
“But in a real sense, if I can get some new players, the club will definitely support me. I have no doubts about that. They definitely will and they’ve been really good.”
“Maybe they can’t back me with a £60m or £70m deal, but if they think we can get the players we need, they’ll back me because they think it’s the right number.”
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