Oliver Glasner wrong man for Manchester United says Paul Merson | OneFootball

Paul Merson has issued a strong warning to Manchester United over pursuing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, insisting the Austrian would not be the right fit for Old Trafford despite his outstanding record at Selhurst Park.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson praised Glasner’s transformation of Palace, who have lifted both the FA Cup and Community Shield in the past year and are currently unbeaten in 18 matches, but argued that his favoured tactical approach does not suit United’s squad.

“Oliver Glasner has been unbelievable at Palace. He’s got the right players for his system and everyone knows their jobs,” Merson said. “But Manchester United don’t have the players for three at the back, and that’s what Glasner’s football is built on. For me, it just wouldn’t work.”

United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim, capped by a 3-1 defeat to Brentford, have reignited speculation over his future, even though reports suggest minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains committed to giving the Portuguese coach a full season. Glasner is among the bookmakers’ favourites should a vacancy arise, with his contract at Palace expiring next summer.

Glasner himself has stressed that systems must adapt to the players available, pointing to his experience across multiple formations at Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, and in Austria. “The system is not important. Habits and patterns are important,” he explained.Yet Merson fears that the lure of United could tempt Glasner into a role destined for difficulty. “You can’t turn down Manchester United, the job doesn’t come along twice,” he said. “But it would be a huge risk for both sides. Glasner is brilliant, but he’s not the right fit for United.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle