Oliver Glasner talks up Michael Carrick having been pegged for Man Utd role

Oliver Glasner has talked up Michael Carrick for turning around Manchester United’s fortunes since being appointed interim boss last month.

No team has picked up more Premier League points in 2026 than United, with Carrick winning five of his six games in charge since replacing Ruben Amorim.

However, the former midfielder was originally only meant to serve as a short-term solution until the summer, with The Independent reporting that Glasner was identified as a top candidate to be appointed as United’s next permanent coach in light of Amorim’s sacking.

The Austrian has since confirmed that he will be leaving Crystal Palace upon the expiry of his contract in June, but with the atmosphere surrounding Glasner souring at Selhurst Park and Carrick spearheading a United revival, summer plans at Old Trafford may have changed .

The Palace boss, who has been very outspoken against the club hierarchy in recent weeks, shifted the tone by crediting Carrick for imbuing United with a "great spirit" and "clear structure" ahead of the Eagles’ clash in Manchester on Sunday.

"Of course, when Man United plays at home against Crystal Palace, everybody there is expecting now a win," said Glasner.

"They are a very good team now. They gave a very good balance between, it's a very experienced team, with really, very 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. This is what I could see against Everton.

"They have a great spirit right now. It was really impressive seeing Matheus Cunha celebrating winning a duel in their own box.

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"This, I think, is what Michael Carrick brought into this team."

Palace have been a thorn in United's side in recent years, winning three of their five last encounters.

The Eagles, however, have struggled domestically since the turn of the year, with their FA Cup defence ending in humiliation against sixth-tier Macclesfield , while the club have only managed two wins in their last 12 league outings.

Compounded by Glasner’s perpetual press-conference rants, supporters have responded by turning against their manager and in their last home outing held up a banner reading: “Opportunities missed - board inept. Fans disrespected - Glasner finished.”

Palace travel to Old Trafford in 13th place, with last week’s slender victory over bottom side Wolves ensuring their are 10 points between them and the drop zone.