Paul Merson Cautions Man…

Paul Merson believes that Oliver Glasner would have a hard time rejecting Manchester United if they showed interest, but he cautions that the Crystal Palace manager may not be the ideal choice for Old Trafford.

After their recent defeat to Brentford, Ruben Amorim faces renewed scrutiny at Manchester United; however, Sky Sports News reports that the Portuguese manager still has the support of minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is eager to provide Amorim with a complete season to demonstrate his capabilities.

The uncertainty surrounding United’s managerial position has led to speculation, with Palace’s Glasner being a leading candidate among bookmakers should the role open up.

Glasner enjoyed a successful season with the Eagles last year, securing an FA Cup victory and adding the Community Shield at the start of this season. Currently, the team is riding an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak, which continued with their thrilling last-minute win over Liverpool last weekend, showcasing Glasner’s effective management.

However, Merson offered a word of caution regarding Glasner’s potential link to United, highlighting the stellar achievements of Crystal Palace under the Austrian manager.

Continue reading for Merson’s comprehensive views.

Merson’s concerns regarding Glasner’s connection to Manchester United

Oliver Glasner has been phenomenal at Crystal Palace.

His accomplishments are remarkable.

He’s an exceptional manager who maintains his composure. He has assembled a cohesive team where every player is well aware of their role. The players fit his tactical system, which is vital for success.

If Ruben Amorim had been at Palace, he might have had a better chance of succeeding. Palace possesses the right players to implement a three-at-the-back system.

This, for me, raises concern about Glasner’s potential transition to Manchester United. He prefers a three-at-the-back formation, which has proved unsuitable for Manchester United’s player profile.

Glasner may be adaptable and has effectively managed his players, but the system he thrives on simply doesn’t align with United’s needs.

Glasner: The system must fit the players

Oliver Glasner on his preferred system and how player profiles shape his formation:

“It must fit the players. There is too much discussion about the system. The system is not important; habits and patterns of play are what matter. That’s far more significant.”

“In my career, I have utilized various systems. We were promoted in Austria with a 4-4-2, then shifted to a 3-4-3. At Wolfsburg, we reached the Champions League with a 4-2-3-1, and in Frankfurt, three at the back functioned well with our squad.”

“I consistently evaluate which system best suits the players available to us. My preferred formation is 4-4-2, but are the right players available for it? We focus more on developing our habits than on rigidly adhering to one system. Ultimately, what counts is whether the players understand our objectives, as this is what will dictate our success or failure.”

‘No rush for Glasner, but he might struggle to decline United’

There’s no immediate pressure on Glasner; he’s doing well where he is. However, he could find it difficult to refuse if Manchester United approaches him.

History has shown that many cannot turn down an opportunity at Manchester United.

Even amidst the club’s current struggles, it remains one of the world’s most prestigious teams. Turning this opportunity down would be challenging for anyone.

How often do opportunities at Manchester United arise? Just ask Ruben Amorim. He intended to delay his move until summer but had to act quickly; such chances might not come again.

A manager taking on the United role is aware they’ll have a challenging task, but they would still jump at the chance, recognizing it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

‘Palace’s remarkable run’

Crystal Palace has been on an extraordinary journey under Glasner.

During their 18-game unbeaten streak, it’s tough to recall any match where luck played a significant role in their success.

Although they scored a dramatic last-minute winner against Liverpool, they were never truly in danger of losing that match.

This team has exhibited phenomenal consistency.

They’re an exceptionally good team.

Playing with three at the back, they have tireless wing-backs, solid defenders, and a reliable goalkeeper. The midfield players excel at both distributing the ball and shielding the defense. Jean-Philippe Mateta has repeatedly proven he could thrive at Manchester United; he’s a formidable presence upfront.

Although they have lost some dangerous wingers over time, they continue to deliver strong performances.

It’s remarkable.

Merson on Palace’s expectations: ‘Just enjoy the ride’

This is not intended as disrespect to Palace, but if Arsenal had gone 18 games unbeaten, they would be league champions.

That’s how impressive this run has been.

I’m uncertain about the limits of their success, and frankly, it doesn’t matter. For now, Palace fans should relish the moment and enjoy the journey ahead.

Why shouldn’t they? Though the impressive streak will inevitably come to an end, the focus should be on sustaining it for as long as possible and seeing where it leads.

Having been at Arsenal, where winning is paramount, questions arise if you don’t maintain an 18-game unbeaten streak. At a club like Palace, the pressure differs. Hence, they should savor the moment and appreciate the phenomenal run.

That said, the target for Palace remains a top-half finish.

The Premier League is unforgiving. It’s crucial not to become overly ambitious, lest it backfire. Additionally, they have to manage the demands of European football, which can be quite challenging.

The bright side is that no team enjoys facing them— they pose a formidable challenge in any match, as seen against Liverpool.

Watch Everton vs. Crystal Palace on Sky Sports on Sunday; kick-off at 2 PM.