Manchester United face Crystal Palace on Sunday as they look to strengthen their hold on fourth place
Manchester United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe (C) takes his seat for the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Manchester United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe (C) takes his seat for the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Manchester United return to action on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side buoyed by a midweek European triumph. Oliver Glasner's Eagles are coming off a 2-0 win over in the Conference League play-offs with the result setting up a round of 16 tie against AEK Larnaca.
United have European qualification in their sights themselves and go into this weekend's round of fixtures occupying fourth spot in the Premier League. Rivals Liverpool could pull level on points should they defeat West Ham on Saturday afternoon, although Michael Carrick's side hold the superior goal difference at present, while Chelsea are also ready to pounce if United slip up.
There'll be little time for rest following Sunday's home fixture, with Carrick's squad travelling to St James' Park to take on Newcastle on Wednesday. Eddie Howe's Magpies are seeking to build momentum in the league having secured a Champions League meeting with Barcelona by clinching a play-off victory over Qarabag.
United, in the meantime, are determined to maintain their unbeaten run under interim manager Carrick. Here are our latest updates from around Old Trafford.
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Simeone in the managerial mix
Diego Simeone has surfaced as a surprise contender for the Manchester United manager's position. It would mark the Argentine's first venture into English football and a dramatic change for a man who is closing in on 15 years at the helm of Atletico Madrid.
Simeone clinched he La Liga title on two occasions with Atlético, seven years apart. He has also claimed the Europa League twice as manager, triumphing in 2012 and 2018, whilst guiding his side to Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016 and narrowly missing out on glory.
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Marcos Llorente of Atletico de Madrid celebrates with Diego Simeone, coach of Atletico de Madrid, their team's victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Play-off Second Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Club Brugge KV at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on February 24, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Diego Simeone celebrating with his Atletico Madrid players(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Luis Enrique is understood to be the preferred candidate among members of United's hierarchy. However, there's no certainty the Spaniard would consider a switch and some are believed to fear he might end speculation by agreeing fresh terms with current employers Paris Saint-Germain.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti were also linked with the position following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. Since then, however, both have penned contract extensions to remain in their present international roles beyond this summer.
Champions League qualification route
United will be keen to secure their place in next season's Champions League without leaving anything to chance. Finishing fourth will guarantee them entry into the league phase, although fifth could still prove sufficient.
There are a lot of moving parts at play but, as matters stand, the Premier League is in pole position to earn one of two additional 'European Performance Spots' for next season's Champions League. Newcastle United benefited last term and have already reached the last 16 this time round.
Fifth position is virtually assured of Champions League qualification thanks to six English teams reaching the round of 16 in that tournament and three more making the knockout stages in other European competitions. However, a series of round of 16 exits could jeopardise that prospect.
United still control their own destiny and have the opportunity to consolidate their grip on fourth place this weekend. That additional spot could prove a valuable safety net but even that is far from guaranteed, with just three points between fourth and sixth.