This article explores the major decision facing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who is reportedly the top choice for the job at a struggling Manchester United. 

Having saved Palace from relegation and led them to their first-ever major trophy and a club-record unbeaten streak, the Austrian coach has proven his ability to turn teams into winners. 

While the prestige of moving to a giant like United is tempting, the article highlights the serious risks: Old Trafford is known for quickly firing managers, and football experts worry that Glasner’s preferred three-at-the-back system might not work with United’s current players. 

Glasner must now choose between building a stable, long-term legacy at Palace or chasing a dream job that could quickly become a high-pressure, career-damaging nightmare.

Glasner’s coaching journey is defined by resilience and quick success. 

At the age of 37, while playing for SV Ried in Austria, his playing career was abruptly ended by a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. 

After emergency surgery and recovery, he immediately pivoted to coaching, guiding his former club to promotion in 2015.

His rise continued in Austria with LASK, where he achieved another promotion and narrowly missed the league title. 

Glasner then moved to the Bundesliga, finding success with Wolfsburg, whom he led to a fourth-place finish and a Champions League spot in 2021. 

His greatest achievement came with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, where he delivered the Europa League trophy by defeating Rangers in the final. 

This track record of turning mid-table clubs into contenders and delivering major silverware is exactly what has attracted major clubs like United and Bayern Munich. 

Since taking over at Palace in February 2024, the 51-year-old has continued his winning ways, losing only 15 of 71 matches.

The atmosphere at Selhurst Park has completely changed under Glasner. 

He has turned a team battling relegation into one competing near the top of the league. 

Last season, the Eagles won their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup. 

They followed this up with a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool to claim the Community Shield.

This season, Palace is enjoying a spectacular run, sitting third in the Premier League after six matches and currently on an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak across all competitions—matching a club record. 

Key to their success is a blend of grit and tactical flair, using a back-three system anchored by captain Marc Guehi, relentless wing-backs like Tyrick Mitchell, and a dynamic attack featuring Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah. 

Despite public disagreements with the board over summer transfers—including vetoing Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool—Glasner has kept his squad focused. 

As Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson noted, “What a job he’s done there—it’s unbelievable.” 

The club now faces a new challenge as they embark on their first European adventure in the Conference League.

For a manager like Glasner, the prestige of moving to Manchester United is almost irresistible. 

However, the club has been a graveyard for several top coaches in recent years. 

United is currently in turmoil, with manager Ruben Amorim struggling with a 14th-place league position and a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby.

While sources indicate Glasner would jump at the chance to manage the club, the move is riddled with potential pitfalls. 

Football analysts, including Merson, have warned that Glasner’s preferred three-at-the-back formation might not be compatible with the current United squad and its high-profile players. 

Although Glasner is tactically flexible, transitioning to the demanding, win-now culture and pressure cooker environment of Old Trafford—which offers little patience or room for error—could be a major shock. 

At Palace, he has time and support to build his vision; at United, he would be expected to deliver miracles immediately. 

As the clock ticks on his decision, Glasner must weigh a potential dynasty at Palace against the high-risk, high-reward dream of managing one of the world’s biggest clubs.