As uncertainty grows over Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United, attention is turning to two of the Premier League’s most impressive overachievers this season Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth.

Both managers have exceeded expectations by guiding their respective clubs into the top six, all while managing significant player losses and tight resources.

Glasner’s journey at Palace has been particularly noteworthy. After a turbulent start, the Austrian coach turned things around spectacularly, culminating in an FA Cup triumph. Even the loss of key players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze hasn’t halted Palace’s progress.

Glasner has implemented a structured, results-driven approach and remains one of the few top flight coaches who has yet to lose to United, making him a strong candidate should a vacancy arise.

At Bournemouth, Iraola has quietly built a reputation for resilience and tactical intelligence. Despite the departures of several first-team defenders and striker Dominic Solanke, the Spanish manager has steered the Cherries to their best start in Premier League history. His back-to-back strong seasons and a notable 3-0 win at Old Trafford have not gone unnoticed by United’s leadership.

Both coaches have demonstrated an ability to adapt, develop talent, and build cohesive squads under pressure qualities currently lacking at United under Amorim. Glasner, with his preferred three-at-the-back formation, could offer a smoother tactical transition if the club decides to part ways with the Portuguese coach.

With chairman Steve Parish already working to secure Glasner’s future at Palace, and Iraola’s contract at Bournemouth attracting interest across Europe, Manchester United may need to act swiftly. Whether either man would trade long term projects for the volatility of Old Trafford remains to be seen, but their success is forcing the Red Devils’ hierarchy to take notice.