Oliver Glasner Has Already Hinted at How He Would Fix Manchester United – And It’s Good News for £100m Man
Manchester United have been trapped in a cycle of inconsistency, turbulence, and tactical uncertainty since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Managers have come and gone, each with their own blueprint, but none have been able to deliver a sustainable structure capable of elevating the club back to its dominant days. While Erik ten Hag has brought some stability, the question marks remain, especially after a string of inconsistent results.
One name often mentioned in whispers around Old Trafford corridors is Oliver Glasner, the Austrian coach currently impressing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. Known for his disciplined tactical structures and ability to get the most out of his players, Glasner’s footballing philosophy may well provide the kind of blueprint United crave. And crucially, it could be great news for one of the club’s most scrutinized players: the £100 million signing Antony.
Glasner’s Track Record of Structure
When Glasner arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021, he inherited a squad not tipped for European glory. Yet, within a season, he masterminded a Europa League triumph, beating Barcelona and West Ham en route before outfoxing Rangers in the final. His Frankfurt side were aggressive without the ball, compact in midfield, and devastating on transitions.
What stood out most was how Glasner made players with limited reputations perform at extraordinary levels. Filip Kostić became one of the most feared wide men in Europe under his watch, while Daichi Kamada was transformed into a consistent attacking threat. Glasner thrives on creating roles that maximize his players’ strengths while covering their weaknesses—a stark contrast to United’s current system, which often leaves expensive signings isolated or misused.
The Manchester United Problem
Manchester United’s issues are layered: a fragile defensive setup, a midfield that too often gets bypassed, and a front line that struggles for consistency. Despite Ten Hag’s efforts, United have rarely looked like a team with a coherent plan both in and out of possession.
The club’s big-money attackers, particularly Antony, have been under the microscope. The Brazilian, signed for £100 million from Ajax, has been criticized for his predictability, lack of end product, and difficulty adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands. Many pundits suggest he has been mismanaged, operating in a system that neither protects him defensively nor allows him to exploit his one-on-one strengths.
This is where Glasner’s philosophy could be transformative.
A Tactical Fit for Antony
Glasner’s teams thrive with wide players who can stretch defenses, press energetically, and cut inside at the right moments. At Frankfurt, he used Kostić as a marauding wing-back and later adapted his system to get the best out of attacking wingers in a front three. At Crystal Palace, he has already empowered Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze to flourish in fluid roles that combine creativity with pressing responsibility.
Antony, despite his critics, remains an excellent presser, technically gifted, and capable of dazzling moments when used properly. Glasner’s emphasis on structured pressing and fast transitions would suit Antony, who is more effective when he doesn’t have to overthink his game. Instead of being stranded out wide waiting for service, he would be part of coordinated pressing triggers designed to win the ball high and attack in numbers.
In such a system, Antony could rediscover the confidence that justified his price tag—turning from a liability into an asset.
Defensive Solidity as a Foundation
One of Glasner’s biggest strengths is organization. At Frankfurt and now at Palace, his defensive units have been compact, difficult to break down, and resilient in big games. United, who often concede soft goals and look fragile under pressure, would benefit enormously from this approach.
If Glasner were ever to step into Old Trafford, his first task would likely be restoring order at the back. But with a stronger defensive base, players like Antony and Marcus Rashford could express themselves in attack without constantly worrying about transitions going the other way. This balance has been missing under recent United managers.
Unlocking United’s Attack
Glasner’s football is not purely defensive. His sides are tactically flexible, often shifting between back threes and back fours depending on the opponent. This adaptability could help United break down stubborn low blocks in the league while also making them dangerous on the counter in Europe.
For Antony, this means being allowed to switch roles—sometimes hugging the touchline to drag defenders wide, other times cutting in as part of a more narrow attacking trio. Glasner’s willingness to rotate players and adapt systems would prevent the Brazilian from becoming predictable, one of his biggest criticisms in England so far.
Conclusion: Why Glasner Could Be the Perfect Fit
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United’s board would ever look in Glasner’s direction, but his track record of maximizing talent, instilling discipline, and creating balance makes him an intriguing option. His tactical philosophy doesn’t just fix problems—it empowers individuals within a team framework.
For Antony, the £100 million winger who has often looked like a square peg in a round hole, Glasner’s methods could finally unlock his potential. Rather than a luxury player, he could become a crucial cog in a well-drilled, high-pressing, attack-minded United side.
Glasner has already shown hints of how he can transform teams quickly and effectively. If United are ever bold enough to give him the reins, the Old Trafford faithful may finally see their expensive stars—particularly Antony—shine the way they were meant to.
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