Speculation surrounding Oliver Glasner's future has intensified after the Crystal Palace manager confirmed he will not extend his contract at Selhurst Park beyond this summer, putting him in the frame for the Manchester United job.
Munoz's Manchester United admission
Should Glasner take the helm at Old Trafford, he may have a straightforward first transfer target in mind. Crystal Palace's Colombian defender Daniel Munoz has openly stated that playing for a club like Manchester United would be "a dream." In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, the 29-year-old wing-back listed United alongside Barcelona, PSG, and Real Madrid as elite clubs he aspires to join.
"If you ask me, it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs," Munoz said. "I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs."
A profile that fits United's needs
Munoz's skill set appears to align with a perceived need in United's squad. While Diogo Dalot has been the primary right-back, his campaign has been marred by inconsistency and injury setbacks. This led former interim boss Ruben Amorim to utilise Amad Diallo in a wing-back role at times.
Munoz has thrived in a similar advanced wing-back position for Palace since his £6.6 million move from Genk in January 2024. This season, he has contributed three goals and two assists in just 14 Premier League appearances and was key to the club's FA Cup triumph last year.
A potential Glasner reunion at Old Trafford
The situation presents a potential triple alignment. Glasner's contract situation coincides with the end of Michael Carrick's interim deal at United. Munoz's public ambition matches a positional need at the club. Furthermore, Glasner's potential arrival could facilitate a reunion with a player whose value he has helped increase.
While Munoz turns 30 in May and Palace are under no immediate pressure to sell with over two years on his contract, the initial low fee paid for him could make a deal cost-effective for United. Any transfer would likely command a premium on the original £6.6 million, given his development under Glasner, but it is not expected to be a prohibitive sum.
An intriguing tactical question would be whether Glasner, who often employs a three-at-the-back system, would look to implement it at United. Having a proven performer like Munoz, who understands his methods, could ease any such transition and provide an immediate solution in defence.
