Michael Carrick plays down Oliver Glasner factor as Man Utd target third place

Carrick, appointed interim boss after the January dismissal of Ruben Amorim, has overseen a revival at United with five wins and a draw from his first six matches in charge.

Despite Glasner being among the favourites to take the role permanently, Carrick said the managerial speculation is irrelevant to his preparations.

"It is not something that would cross my mind until you mentioned it," he said."It doesn't make any difference whatsoever.

"I have total respect for Crystal Palace and Oliver, but it's the next game for us."

A victory could lift United to third place in the Premier League for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 season, following Aston Villa's surprise defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

"We're in a decent spot," Carrick said. "We feel like we are moving forwards, but it's about what's in front of us and trying to get a little bit higher in the league."

United remain without Matthijs de Ligt due to a back injury, while Lisandro Martinez missed Monday's win over Everton with what Carrick described as a "small issue" that should not keep him out for long.

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