Oliver Glasner insisted he is “not allowed to bet” when asked about the Manchester United vacancy, smiling as he was questioned on the possibility of eventually taking on the role.
Ruben Amorim was dismissed on Monday morning, forcing Ineos into yet another managerial search just 14 months after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag. Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge, with plans in place to appoint an interim boss until the end of the campaign.
The Crystal Palace head coach has thrived since arriving at Selhurst Park, lifting both the FA Cup and the Community Shield, achievements which have seen him listed among the leading contenders to succeed at Old Trafford. His current deal with the Eagles is due to run out in the summer.
Glasner was asked how it feels to be installed as favourite for the United job and replied: “I am not allowed to bet. My contract has one paragraph that I am not allowed to bet. And I don’t look at it.”
When pushed further on whether people should back him to end up in the Old Trafford dugout, he laughed and added: “I also cannot give insider information. That would also be breaking my contract. I am Crystal Palace manager and it makes no sense for you to ask more questions about it.”
At times, Glasner has appeared visibly frustrated in south London, fuelling speculation that he could depart once the season concludes. He has publicly urged the club to match his ambition and build on recent success, but there is a growing sense that Palace may lose more of their key figures.
In the summer, Eberechi Eze completed a move to Arsenal. Before that, Michael Olise left Selhurst Park to join Bayern Munich. Now Marc Guehi also looks set for an exit, with both Manchester City and Liverpool monitoring the out-of-contract centre-back.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being linked with a surprise return to Manchester to guide the side through to the end of the season. He spent just under three years in charge before being dismissed in November 2021. On a long-term basis, United have also been connected with the likes of Marco Silva and Xavi.
Silva has impressed during his spell at Fulham and, like Glasner, will be out of contract in the summer. Xavi, meanwhile, previously led Barcelona to a La Liga title but departed the Nou Camp nearly 18 months ago and is currently unattached.
Eddie Howe has also stressed his contentment at Newcastle when questioned about his own future.