Oliver Glasner’s feedback on Man Utd and Ruben Amorim spoke volumes earlier than sack
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is one of the frontrunners to take over at Manchester United following Ruben Amorim’s sacking and previously defended his Portuguese counterpart
Manchester United announced on Monday that Ruben Amorim has been sacked, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner one of the frontrunners to take the job.
Amorim had been backed by the United board despite a wretched 15 months in charge but following his scathing outburst at the club’s hierarchy, his position was ultimately untenable at the club after a reported “breakdown in relations.” A statement from United read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Ahead of the clash between the two sides at Selhurst Park in November, Glasner, who plays a similar 3-4-3 system, staunchly defended Amorim and pointed to the underlying numbers of United’s attack to defend his counterpart.
“It’s really funny talking about the 3-4-3 system, and I think United have the highest xG in the Premier League for scoring goals,” Glasner said.
“Their team has changed. Especially in attack. They needed more goals and they invested £200m, buying three players up front. Also, now they have players who can play very intense like [Bryan] Mbeumo.
“For me, it’s impressive to see. We compared it [their last meeting] to where they are now. I think their work-rate is much higher than it was last year and then they get the reward.”
Glasner also praised his system for allowing the Eagles to defend better, with Palace only second to Arsenal for goals conceded at that stage in the season.
But after a nightmare run of just two wins in eight games, which started with that defeat against United, Palace have now conceded the fifth fewest goals in the league.
“We’re playing the same system,” Glasner added. “So it looks like it’s a good attacking system. Also, as we show it, you can have a very good defensive structure with it.
“So it’s all about what you do with the system and how fluid you are in attack and how creative you are. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Despite Glasner’s praise and comparisons in their style of play, Amorim believed the two managers interpreted the formations differently and admitted Palace have implemented it better.
“We play in a different way,” Amorim said. “You can understand that by data. It is hard to explain everything. They are a different club and they are doing things better than us. That is quite simple.
“You don’t say that all 4-3-3 teams play in the same way. We play in a different moment, we defend in a different space, we attack in a different way. They are just doing things better than us.”
Asked if he is inspired by Glasner, Amorim added: “I played against him in Frankfurt with Sporting, so I know the players. I take inspiration from everyone.
“When I take two weeks for an international break, I watch all the managers and try to take all the inspiration I can. I have six years as a professional manager, so I am always trying to learn.”
Betting has since been suspended by some bookies on the odds for Glasner to take the job. However, it’s reported that Fletcher is expected to remain in charge against Burnley on Wednesday and the FA Cup home game against Brighton on Sunday.
