Manchester United are preparing to approach a second Premier League manager as their search for a new head coach intensifies, with Fulham boss Marco Silva emerging as a leading candidate alongside Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner.
Silva in the Frame as Contract Stand-Off Continues
The Old Trafford hierarchy, led by Ineos, are actively looking for their second new manager of their ownership following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday, 5th January 2026. Fulham now believe their highly-rated manager, Marco Silva, is likely to be on United's radar.
The Portuguese coach, 48, has yet to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage despite being offered a three-and-a-half-year contract back in November. With his current terms expiring this summer, his silence has fuelled speculation about an imminent departure.
Silva has previously been linked with the United job, prior to Amorim's appointment in November 2024. He has masterminded Fulham's rise from the Championship to a stable Premier League side, attracting admiration and even interest from Saudi Arabia last summer.
Ambition Over Wages Key for Silva
The former Everton manager has avoided public comment on his future but has indicated that his decision is not purely financial. He wants assurances that Fulham's ambition matches his own after several seasons in the top flight.
This stance follows his frustration last summer when the club's transfer activity was limited. "I didn't expect us to be this passive," Silva admitted at the time, highlighting concerns about the squad's depth which have clearly lingered.
Glasner Remains Top Target Amid Palace Frustrations
United's primary target, however, is understood to be Crystal Palace's Austrian manager, Oliver Glasner. Like Silva, his contract at Selhurst Park expires in the summer of 2026.
Glasner has excelled in London, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace while overseeing a squad that has lost key players. He has also been vocal about his frustrations with the club's direction, leading many to expect his departure and putting United on alert to make a move.
The situation sets up a potential battle for two of the league's most respected coaches, both available on free transfers this summer, as Ineos look to make a decisive appointment to stabilise the Manchester United project.
