Glasner's United: How the Austrian could line up Old Trafford's XI after summer overhaul

Manchester United's messy exit from the Ruben Amorim era appears finally complete. The club has pulled the trigger on their Norwegian nightmare, though many reckon the decision came several months overdue. Amorim's ultimatum regarding January transfers left INEOS little choice, but make no mistake: the Austrian's reign ranks among the most disastrous post-Sir Alex Ferguson appointments.

The managerial carousel continues its predictable spin. Darren Fletcher's interim stint will likely give way to another caretaker—potentially Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former United boss currently working behind the scenes. Should Solskjaer maintain his impressive 74% win rate as caretaker, INEOS might face an amusing full-circle predicament. More likely, though, they'll press ahead with their pre-drawn shortlist come summer.

That list is headlined by Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace manager and INEOS's primary target. The Austrian's contract situation makes an appointment seamless, and his track record at Selhurst Park has been nothing short of stellar. Crucially, Glasner already operates the same 3-4-3 system Amorim favoured—except he's actually made it work in the Premier League.

The XI Taking Shape

Assuming Glasner arrives and maintains his preferred formation, here's how United's starting eleven could look next season:

Senne Lammens gets the nod in goal. His assured start to the campaign has effectively ended any lingering hopes for Andre Onana's rehabilitation under fresh management.

At centre-back, United possess genuine depth. Expect Leny Yoro on the right flank, Matthijs de Ligt anchoring the middle, and Lisandro Martinez on the left—a trio that would benefit immensely from Glasner's tendency to trust his defensive line rather than tinkering endlessly like his predecessor.

The wing-back situation demands more creativity. A double raid on Crystal Palace appears likely, with Daniel Munoz—valued at £26m and reportedly keen on his "dream" move—arriving to operate on the right. The 29-year-old's 18-month spell at Palace has established him as one of Europe's most natural wing-backs and represents an affordable, sensible fix for United's ongoing problems in that role.

Patrick Dorgu slots in on the left. The young defender arrived as a long-term project and solution to Amorim's wing-back woes. Whilst hardly flawless, Dorgu has shown encouraging signs of late, particularly when deployed differently, and could easily flourish under elite coaching.

The midfield overhaul represents the headline news. Bruno Fernandes departs—a year later than perhaps ideal—to Saudi Arabia, funding the club's summer business. The veteran Casemiro accepts a bit-part role on reduced terms. In their place: Kobbie Mainoo and £100m signing Carlos Baleba. Mainoo emerges as the clearest winner from Amorim's departure, finally getting the fresh start his talent deserves. Baleba, meanwhile, arrives as Casemiro's long-term successor in the number six role.

The attacking midfield berths belong to Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha—the summer arrivals who've been head and shoulders above their teammates and natural fits for the 3-4-3 system. They'd complement the anticipated return of Marcus Rashford beautifully.

Rashford's exile from Old Trafford owes much to Amorim's misjudgement. The academy product's performances for Aston Villa, Barcelona, and England have made the Norwegian look decidedly foolish. With Barcelona's financial troubles likely to persist, United represents Rashford's most probable destination. He returns battle-hardened and should start ahead of struggling striker Benjamin Sesko.

It's a squad brimming with promise—assuming, of course, that Glasner gets the job and INEOS back him properly in the market.