Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has publicly praised Michael Carrick for his remarkable impact at Manchester United since taking over as interim boss last month. Glasner's comments come amid ongoing speculation about United's long-term managerial strategy, with the Austrian previously linked to the permanent role at Old Trafford.
Carrick's Impressive Start at Manchester United
Since replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim in January, Michael Carrick has overseen a dramatic turnaround at Manchester United. The former midfielder has guided the team to five victories in his six Premier League matches in charge, making United the division's top points-earners in 2026. This resurgence has fundamentally altered the conversation around United's summer plans.
Glasner's Changing Fortunes and United Links
Earlier this year, The Independent reported that Oliver Glasner had been identified as a leading candidate to become Manchester United's next permanent manager. The Austrian has since confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires in June, but his situation has grown increasingly complicated.
At Selhurst Park, Glasner's relationship with the club hierarchy has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. The manager has been openly critical of Palace's leadership in multiple press conferences, prompting a backlash from supporters. During their last home match, fans displayed a banner reading: "Opportunities missed - board inept. Fans disrespected - Glasner finished."
Glasner's Praise for Carrick's Methods
Ahead of Crystal Palace's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, Glasner shifted focus from his own troubles to commend Carrick's work at United. He highlighted how Carrick has instilled a "great spirit" and "clear structure" within the squad, creating an effective balance between experienced Premier League veterans and promising young talents.
"They are a very good team now," Glasner stated. "They have a very good balance between experienced Premier League players and very young players with huge talent. It's a good mix they have now, but I think the most important thing for them is they are consistently playing with their team and have a clear structure in the way they are playing."
The Palace manager specifically pointed to Matheus Cunha's enthusiastic celebration after winning a defensive duel as evidence of the renewed team spirit Carrick has fostered. "This, I think, is what Michael Carrick brought into this team," Glasner emphasized.
Palace's Struggles and United Challenge
Crystal Palace travel to Manchester in concerning form, having managed just two victories in their last twelve league matches. Their FA Cup defence ended in humiliation with a defeat to sixth-tier Macclesfield, leaving the club languishing in 13th position in the Premier League.
Despite their recent struggles, Palace have historically performed well against United, winning three of their last five encounters. However, last week's narrow victory over bottom-placed Wolves merely extended their cushion above the relegation zone to ten points, providing little confidence ahead of the Old Trafford fixture.
With Carrick's interim success potentially reshaping United's summer managerial search, and Glasner's departure from Palace now confirmed, the dynamics of both clubs' futures remain uncertain as they prepare to face each other this weekend.
