Carrick Focused on Points, Not Palace Boss Speculation

Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he is not thinking about rumours linking Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner with the United job ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Glasner has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the permanent role at United. However, Carrick insists that facing a manager connected with his position will not give him any extra motivation.

“It is not something that would cross my mind until you mentioned it,” Carrick said.

“It doesn’t make any difference whatsoever.

“I have total respect for Crystal Palace and Oliver, in terms of the team that they are and the role they are doing. But it’s the next game for us.”

Carrick has enjoyed a strong run since taking temporary charge, recording five wins and one draw from his six matches. That form means United could move up to third in the table with a victory over Palace — their highest position at this stage since the end of the 2022-23 season.

When the two sides last met in November, Palace were above United in the standings. United won that match 2-1, but defender Matthijs de Ligt, who played a key role, has been sidelined since with a back injury.

Another centre-back, Lisandro Martínez, missed the recent win over Everton due to a calf problem. Carrick described it as “a small issue” and expects the Argentine to return soon.

With rivals dropping points in recent weeks, United now have a good opportunity to strengthen their place in the Champions League spots. Few expected such progress after Rúben Amorim was dismissed in January.

“We are in a decent spot,” Carrick said. “We feel like we are moving forwards, but it’s just about what’s in front of us, and trying to get to where we want to be, which is a little bit higher in the league.

“That’s literally all I’m worried about in the moment.”