Glasner Addresses Manchester United Speculation and Guéhi’s Potential Move to City

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed that he will not be distracted by speculation linking him to the Manchester United vacancy. He acknowledged that the club’s captain, Marc Guéhi, could potentially transfer to Manchester City this month, contingent on the right valuation.

The highly regarded Austrian coach is among the frontrunners to succeed Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford following his departure on Monday morning. Glasner, who led the Eagles to FA Cup victory last season, has not yet finalized a contract extension at Selhurst Park, but remains focused solely on his current responsibilities.

“In my contract with Palace, there is a clause stating that I am not allowed to bet, and I don’t pay attention to the odds,” the 51-year-old stated during a news conference on Tuesday. “I also cannot provide inside information without violating my contract. I am the manager of Crystal Palace, and I believe it is a waste of time for you to ask me about any other clubs.”

Glasner further reflected on the precarious nature of managerial contracts, stating, “You can sign a new contract, as some managers have done this season, yet still find yourself no longer in that position. Success is the only factor that secures your place as a manager.”

The Austrian coach also acknowledged the possibility of Guéhi’s move to Manchester City, mentioning that the England defender is out of contract at the end of the season. Guéhi nearly moved to Liverpool last summer before Palace withdrew from the deal on deadline day.

Pep Guardiola’s squad is currently facing a defensive crisis, with both Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sidelined due to injuries sustained during last weekend’s match against Chelsea. Guardiola confirmed that Dias will be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, while Gvardiol is scheduled for surgery on a broken shin bone.

In light of this situation, Glasner stated, “If a player feels he has outgrown a club, it is often better to sell him. Conversely, if a player isn’t deemed good enough, he should also be sold. To maximize the potential of your squad, a match must exist.”

When asked if Guéhi and City could be a suitable match in January, Glasner replied, “It is possible. I am not naive; if a substantial offer comes from City and Marc wants to pursue it, it could happen.”

He elaborated with an analogy, saying, “Imagine you have a nice car but need money for repairs at home. If someone offers you a significant amount for the car, you might consider selling it even if you love it. This situation mirrors Marc’s. Everyone wants him to remain at Crystal Palace, sign a new contract, and stay forever. However, with his contract ending this summer, if a tempting offer arises, the club may decide that financial considerations outweigh sporting ones.”

Glasner concluded that should Guéhi express a desire to leave and the financial offer exceeds a certain threshold, a transfer could take place.

Looking ahead, Palace will host Aston Villa on Wednesday night, aiming for their first league victory in five games. Nathaniel Clyne will be absent due to a minor abductor injury sustained in Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle, while Jefferson Lerma remains unavailable due to the concussion protocol. Defender Chris Richards is expected to return to the squad.