Jurgen Klopp was so often a thorn in Manchester United's side, but it appears the former Liverpool boss could throw some of the Reds' plans into the air
Jurgen Klopp, German football coach and "Global Head of Soccer" at Red Bull, is pictured during an AFP interview at RB Leipzig's headquarters in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on January 17, 2026
Jurgen Klopp's future may be about to take a surprising twist(Image: AFP or licensors)
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Jurgen Klopp's next move could have ramifications for Manchester United's next manager search. Klopp, 58, was appointed as the 'Global Head of Soccer' at Red Bull's football franchise, where he provides the blueprint for their teams in Leipzig, Salzburg, Bragantino/Brazil and New York.
However, reports from Austria understand Klopp may be on the verge of walking away from his role. It's understood the former Liverpool manager could leave his position with all of the clubs under the franchise struggling to compete for titles.
If he leaves, it may impact United's managerial plans as Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, has reportedly been earmarked as the man to replace Klopp.
Austrian outlet the Salzburger Nachrichten understand the Red Bull franchise have all but decided Glasner is the person they would want to replace Klopp. The Austrian has already announced he will leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
Having previously worked as a sporting coordinator and as an assistant coach at RB Salzburg, the FA Cup winner has been described as "confident in his ability to take on Klopp's role." On January 16, betting odds for Glasner to be the next Reds manager halved, suggesting he was high on the list.
Those reports have quietened down as of late. Palace's form post-Christmas has plummeted, resulting in a huge number of the club's fanbase turning on Glasner. Moreover, many have also felt the United job could be too consuming for the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt manager.
In addition, recent reports from the i paper suggests many within United are unconvinced by the prospect of appointing Glasner. It's understood senior officials at Old Trafford believe he may be at the same level as Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January.
Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026 in London, England.
Glasner has been linked with the United job(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has quietly been producing result after result as interim manager of the club. The recent 1-0 away victory over Everton lifted the Reds into fourth position.
They are now as far away from third place Aston Villa as they are in front of fifth placed Chelsea. As of right now, Carrick is only expected to be at the helm of United until the end of the season.
However, his five victories and one draw have propelled United into Champions League contention. They are also in an excellent position to finish in the top three, with Villa also competing in the Europa League at the same time.
As well as Glasner, Sir Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the United job, but a decision on the next boss will not be made until the end of the season at the earliest.