Here's a twist nobody saw coming. Jurgen Klopp's situation at Red Bull could actually mess with Manchester United's plans to find their next permanent manager.
The former Liverpool boss took up the role as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull earlier this year. He's been overseeing their clubs in Leipzig, Salzburg, New York, and Brazil. But now? Reports from Austria suggest he might be ready to walk away.
The reason? All of Red Bull's teams are struggling to compete for titles. When you bring in someone like Klopp, you expect silverware. That hasn't been happening, and it seems like the 58-year-old is getting restless.
The Glasner Connection
So what does this have to do with United? Well, Oliver Glasner is the link. The Crystal Palace manager has been on United's radar, and he's already confirmed he's leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
But here's the catch. Austrian outlet Salzburger Nachrichten reports that Red Bull has basically decided Glasner is their guy to replace Klopp. The 50-year-old previously worked at RB Salzburg and apparently feels confident he can step into Klopp's shoes.
Back in mid-January, Glasner's odds to become United's next manager were slashed in half. He was clearly high on their list. But things have changed since then.
Palace's form has absolutely tanked after Christmas. The fans have turned on Glasner, and doubts are creeping in about whether he's ready for a job as massive as United. According to reports from the i paper, senior officials at Old Trafford aren't convinced either. Some think he might be at the same level as Ruben Amorim, who they sacked back in January.
Carrick's Quiet Revolution
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick is doing the business as interim boss. His recent 1-0 win at Everton pushed United into fourth place. That's Champions League territory, folks.
Carrick has delivered five wins and one draw since taking over. United are now just as close to third-placed Aston Villa as they are ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea. It's tight at the top, and suddenly United are right in the mix.
The plan is still for Carrick to only stay until the end of the season. But if he keeps getting results like this, the board might have a serious decision to make. Why fix what isn't broken?
Other names like Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, and Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the United job. But the club won't make any decision until the season ends. With Klopp potentially leaving Red Bull and Glasner possibly heading there instead of Old Trafford, United's options could look very different in a few months.
