The measure of how good a move might be can be taken from how the rivals react to the possibility of it, and Theo Walcott’s reaction says everything about Man Utd’s managerial target.
“Man Utd managerial target” is not a turn of phrase anybody at Old Trafford expected to be using after six league games.
However, things under Ruben Amorim have snowballed to such an extent that it’s not only a believable event, but also likely.
As such, one name linked to Man Utd has generated the most optimism, and now Theo Walcott has said that the candidate has a Jurgen Klopp-like quality.
Theo Walcott clear on Man Utd hiring Oliver Glasner
Numerous names have been linked to the Man Utd job in recent days, from Xavi’s eagerness to Gareth Southgate’s connections.
However, someone is either unproven in the Premier League, or they haven’t been good for long enough that it’s the new normal.
Neither is the case with Oliver Glasner, with the added benefit of the Austrian already a supporter of a back three formation.
His Crystal Palace side has gone from strength to strength after he took over a struggling team, and his wins over some of the biggest teams inspire confidence in his ability to get his players to play to their maximum.
Beyond his results, however, Walcott is enamoured by Glasner’s “classy” nature, which he has likened to how Klopp left Liverpool.
Walcott said: “I feel like if he does leave, I hope he would have the same influence Klopp did with Liverpool, trying to pick the next guy. I feel like he’s that classy.
“Even when he’s celebrating, he thought, ‘Oh, actually, let me just control myself.” I feel like he’s got a lot of class about him. So it says a lot about him. So, it’d be sad to see him go if he does. But look, who knows? Because the grass isn’t always greener.
“We’ve seen this with managers at Man United. It really kills them. But I don’t think he’s that kind of character. I really don’t.”
Ineos would be walking a different path
It’s ironic that the noises coming out of Old Trafford would be the club effectively following the path they discarded Dan Ashworth for following.
Ashworth was discarded ruthlessly by Sir Jim Ratcliffe when he recommended a data-led approach to find Erik ten Hag’s successor, preferably with a Premier League pedigree.
Amorim was the progressive choice on paper, an exciting name with loads of potential but unproven considering the jump he was about to take.
If they hire Glasner, they would be going back to the philosophy that has given them results in terms of playing personnel.
It’s clear how comfortable Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo look in a Man Utd shirt, and the major reason is their Premier League pedigree.
Similarly, Glasner will come after proving himself by overperforming with Crystal Palace, having also managed at a European level with Frankfurt.
It goes without saying that he might fail too, because football management, especially the Man Utd job, is a poisoned chalice at the moment. But, on paper, he does look the most competent.
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