Glasner Announces Departure and Guehi’s Transfer Amid Managerial Speculations

Reports indicate that Oliver Glasner has informed his Crystal Palace squad of his intention to depart following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the season. He subsequently held a press conference where he confirmed this decision and revealed that Marc Guehi is on the verge of transferring to Manchester City, presenting a significant setback for the 2025 FA Cup winners.

Glasner’s primary aim appears to be providing the club and its supporters with the necessary time to process and prepare for the departure of what many consider their greatest-ever manager. However, it can be posited that Glasner is also positioning himself for potential high-profile managerial vacancies that may arise in the summer of 2026. Notably, this includes the Manchester United managerial role, as head coach Michael Carrick is set to conclude his short-term tenure at the season’s end.

The search for Carrick’s long-term successor at United is already underway, and according to The i Paper, Glasner is not currently the frontrunner for the permanent managerial position at Old Trafford. Reports suggest that England manager Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi of Marseille are ahead of Glasner, despite Tuchel’s commitment to managing the national team until July and De Zerbi’s ongoing employment, which would necessitate a compensation agreement.

Part of the reasoning behind Glasner’s lower positioning is attributed to Crystal Palace’s recent poor form, with the team enduring a winless streak of nine games, including a shocking 2-1 defeat to National League North side Macclesfield FC in the FA Cup. This slump has seen Palace’s league standing drop from top-six contention to 13th place, although they remain a mere four points behind United in seventh, with fixture congestion and injuries cited as contributing factors to the decline.

Reports indicate that Manchester United’s hierarchy is seeking candidates with Premier League experience, a criterion that applies to all three potential candidates—Tuchel, De Zerbi, and Glasner. There has also been speculation regarding an ambitious pursuit of Luis Enrique, amidst uncertainty surrounding his future at PSG.

In his press conference, Glasner stated, “I already informed the club months ago that I wanted a new challenge. We had a very long talk, and I told chairman Steve Parish that I would not sign a new contract. We agreed to keep this matter confidential for three months, but now it is vital to provide clarity, especially with our busy schedule. Both Steve and I want what is best for Crystal Palace.”

Glasner is expected to remain a contender for the position at Old Trafford as the summer approaches, with the club currently focused on supporting Carrick’s efforts.

Given Tuchel’s previous connections to the United role, it is not surprising that he is listed as a top candidate. There are assertions that the Old Trafford position represents Tuchel’s “dream job.” However, it would raise eyebrows if the club were to enter a period of uncertainty regarding Tuchel’s future, potentially overlooking the opportunity to appoint Glasner.