One Crystal Palace star has made it clear he would love to join Manchester United, and Oliver Glasner may be inclined to make that dream a reality after revealing he'll leave Selhurst Park
Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace arrives for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Macclesfield and Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner may have a straightforward solution to one problem area at Manchester United if he does take over in the summer(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Oliver Glasner may not need to search extensively for his first Manchester United signing should he take charge at Old Trafford this summer. The Austrian manager fuelled fresh speculation about a potential switch on Friday after confirming he won't be extending his contract at Crystal Palace beyond the current campaign.
This timing would align perfectly with the conclusion of Michael Carrick's interim spell in charge of his former club. The Champions League-winner has been appointed at the helm until the end of the season but faces a challenge in persuading United's decision-makers to offer him the role permanently.
Glasner's potential arrival could prove ideal for Daniel Munoz. The Colombia international has already expressed his desire to join a European giant such as United, while the Red Devils could do a player fitting his profile.
This could present Glasner with a straightforward decision in this summer's transfer window. In conversation with Spanish newspaper AS, Munoz revealed his aspirations of representing Europe's elite and described it as "a dream" to play for a side of United's stature.
"First of all, I think there's a lot of talk about one club or another," he said. "If you ask me, it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs, whether it's Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United.
"I think I'm working towards that. I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because for me, it's a dream to get there."
Daniel Munoz and Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace
Daniel Munoz has fulfilled a critical role in Glasner's Palace plan in recent times(Image: Sebastian Frej, Getty Images)
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Diogo Dalot has struggled for consistency amid injury issues this season. Ruben Amorim promoted Amad to the starting wing-back position in recent months, though it remains to be seen what Carrick will do with his restructured team.
Munoz, 29, has been excelling in a similar wing-back role for Palace since his transfer from Genk in January 2024. He boasts three goals and two assists in just 14 Premier League appearances this season and played a key role in last year's FA Cup triumph.
Although his age isn't ideal, United are currently in need of players at their peak. Munoz still has more than two years left on his contract with the south London club, meaning Palace aren't under immediate pressure to sell.
Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace and Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace applaud the fans after the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Munoz could be a prime candidate to follow Glasner to Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images)
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However, it could work in United's favour that Palace only paid £6.6million for the full-back two years ago. Coupled with the fact he turns 30 in May, this could help United negotiate a cost-effective deal, particularly if Munoz is tempted by the prospect of reuniting with Glasner.
Given Palace's success under the Austrian in recent seasons, many players' valuations have increased. As such, United will have to pay much more than what Palace originally spent on Munoz, but it's unlikely to be a deal-breaker.
An interesting point to note is that Glasner frequently employs a three-man defence, a strategy similar to the one that left many United supporters disgruntled under Amorim. However, if he does get selected as United's next permanent manager, having a clear target like Munoz could prove very beneficial.