Interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has laughed off suggestions that Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace is a personal duel with managerial rival Oliver Glasner, insisting his only focus is the Premier League table.
While Glasner remains a bookmakers’ favorite for the permanent United job, his stock has fallen following a “troubled campaign” at Palace involving board disputes and a shock FA Cup exit to Macclesfield.
In contrast, Carrick has become the frontrunner after a stellar run of five wins and a draw in six games.
Victory at Old Trafford would lift United to third place for the first time since 2023, capitalizing on Aston Villa’s recent slip-up.
“It’s not something that would cross my mind,” Carrick said regarding the Glasner narrative. “I have total respect for Oliver… but it’s just the next game for us.”
United will likely be without defenders Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Matthijs de Ligt (back), but the mood remains high.
With top-four rivals Chelsea and Arsenal set to face off, United have a golden opportunity to cement a Champions League spot—a feat few thought possible when Ruben Amorim was sacked in January.
“We feel like we are moving forwards,” Carrick added. “That’s literally all I’m worried about.”
