Man United Shift Focus Away from Glasner as Tuchel and De Zerbi Emerge as Summer Priorities

Manchester United appear to have had second thoughts about Oliver Glasner, with the Crystal Palace boss sliding down their pecking order of managerial targets ahead of the summer rebuild.

Glasner had initially been touted as the favourite to take over from Michael Carrick, who stepped in on a temporary basis following Ruben Amorim's departure. The United hierarchy, however, are determined not to rush into another permanent appointment, preferring to wait until the close season when contractual situations and the World Cup create a wider pool of available candidates.

According to fresh reports, the Old Trafford hierarchy have now pivoted away from the Palace manager, who recently confirmed he will depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

"I'm just looking for a new challenge," Glasner said when quizzed on his future. "I haven't spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history, the best points tally in history. We are now four points better off than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park."

The Glasner narrative has taken a fresh turn, though. England boss Thomas Tuchel and Marseille's Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as the club's primary targets, with United's pursuit of PSG manager Luis Enrique having cooled considerably. The French capital boss appears unmoved by the prospect of a move to Manchester.

Former United defender Jaap Stam has made a compelling case for why Enrique would suit the job, however.

"Luis Enrique would be a great fit as Manchester United's permanent manager," Stam explained. "He's shown his class at Paris Saint-Germain and is a very good manager. He's very committed to each club he works at and has a lot of passions for the game, which is what you need if you're to succeed as a manager at a big club like United.

"He also plays very fluid and attractive football which is what fans and pundits are crying out for at Old Trafford. Luis Enrique gives license to his players to express themselves while maintaining his style of football and his system, which is a very positive trait to have as a manager.

"It could be difficult for United to tempt Enrique away from Paris given he seems settled at the Parc des Princes, however, he is entering the last 12 months of his contract, so there may be an opportunity to bring him to Manchester."

Glasner's stock has undoubtedly risen at Palace following his impressive work in South London, but it appears United's focus has shifted elsewhere as they plot their managerial course for the seasons ahead.