Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has rejected suggestions that his side's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace carries any personal significance due to manager Oliver Glasner's reported interest in the United job. Carrick, who has won five of his six games in charge, insists the match is simply the next fixture in a crucial run of games.

Glasner has emerged as second favourite to succeed Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, despite a troubled season at Selhurst Park where he has openly criticised the club's board and fallen out with supporters. The Austrian manager's position has been further undermined by Crystal Palace's FA Cup exit to Macclesfield and their struggling league form. United's recent revival under Carrick has seen them climb to sixth place.

Victory over Palace would lift United to third in the table for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign, following Aston Villa's defeat at Wolves. Carrick remains focused on consolidating United's position in the Champions League places, particularly with fifth-placed Chelsea facing Arsenal and Villa in their next two matches. The former midfielder has injury concerns over defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, but remains optimistic about their availability.