Oliver Glasner: The leading candidate for Manchester United
Oliver Glasner has emerged as the leading target on Manchester United’s shortlist as INEOS weighs its next managerial move. The Austrian coach, known for a disciplined, possession-oriented style honed at Eintracht Frankfurt and later successful spells abroad, fits a profile United have been seeking: a pragmatic tactician who can rebuild a squad, instill system, and develop younger players without sacrificing competitiveness in the Premier League. With United looking for a sustainable project rather than a quick fix, Glasner’s track record of organizing teams and improving structures off the pitch makes him a compelling match for the club’s current needs.
That said, the process is far from straightforward. INEOS’s football leadership faces the delicate task of reconciling a long-term vision with immediate results. The decision will hinge on whether Glasner’s style can adapt to United’s squad and the short-term pressures of competing for top-four finishes and honours in a highly scrutinized environment.
Other contenders: a mix of proven experience and adaptable tacticians
While Glasner sits atop the current list, INEOS is understood to be considering several other names from the summer 2024 shortlist as they reopen their decision. Here are the types of contenders that could still be in the frame:
- Mauricio Pochettino: A coach with a proven track record at high-profile clubs, Pochettino brings a wealth of experience in rebuilding teams and managing big squads. His methodical approach and ability to work within top-tier budgets could appeal to United’s owners who want a manager with a clear project plan, a stable recruitment philosophy, and an established record of guiding teams to top-four finishes.
- Vincent Kompany: The Manchester-born defender-turned-manager has shown rapid progress in club football after a promising stint at Burnley and a high-profile move abroad. If United want a fresh, modern approach with strong leadership qualities from the touchline, Kompany’s blend of intensity and football intelligence could fit.
- Arne Slot (Feyenoord): Slot has attracted attention across Europe for his footballing principles, player development, and success in the Eredivisie. A winger-to-midfield balance, an eye for talent, and a modern pressing game could translate well to the Premier League after a transitional period.
- Other experienced operators: Names from the summer shortlist who bring Premier League experience or a similar pedigree could re-emerge. INEOS’s approach tends to favour coaches who combine strategic leadership with practical recruitment oversight, so candidates known for collaborative, long-term planning could be prioritized.
What the decision will hinge on
The decisive factors for United’s next manager will likely include how the coach adapts to playing personnel already at the club, how they align with the club’s recruitment strategy under INEOS, and their ability to handle the media spotlight and intense fan scrutiny. The right candidate should demonstrate:
- Clear tactical identity with flexibility for different opponents
- Strong leadership in the dressing room and around the academy
- Proven ability to develop younger players while maintaining results
- Compatibility with the club’s long-term business plan and budget
In the coming weeks, expect more transparency about the shortlist and further testing of each candidate’s vision for United. Glasner’s status as the top target indicates a preference for a coach who can build a durable framework, but INEOS will remain open to alternatives if a better long-term fit emerges.
What fans should watch for next
Supporters should monitor how the club communicates its process and whether any public interviews or club statements hint at a preferred style (attacking, balanced, or defensively solid). Off-field factors, such as contract length, transfer autonomy, and the envisaged transfer budget, will also shape the final decision. For now, Glasner sits at the top of the chart, with a slate of serious alternatives waiting for their moment to pitch their case.
