Unexpected Man Utd manager candidate emerges as European path complicated

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United will take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday as they aim to keep their hold on fourth place

Manchester United are back in action on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side coming off a morale-boosting European victory. Oliver Glasner’s Eagles beat Zrinjski Mostar 2-0 in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday night to set up a round of 16 meeting with AEK Larnaca.

United are looking to get back into Europe themselves, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League. Rivals Liverpool have a chance to draw level on points if they can beat West Ham on Saturday afternoon, though Michael Carrick’s side have the better goal difference as things stand.

There won’t be much time to recover after Sunday’s home game, with Carrick’s team heading to St James’ Park to face Newcastle on Wednesday. Eddie Howe’s Magpies are looking to produce some consistent form in the league after booking their place in the Champions League round of 16, where they will take on Barcelona.

United, meanwhile, are out to preserve their unbeaten record under interim boss Carrick. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around Old Trafford.

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Simeone in the managerial mix

Diego Simeone has emerged as an under-the-radar candidate for the Manchester United job. It would be the Argentine’s first foray into English football after more than a decade in charge at Atletico Madrid.

Simeone has won La Liga twice with Atleti, seven years apart. He is also a two-time Europa League winner as a manager, tasting glory in 2012 and 2018, and oversaw runs to the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016.

Luis Enrique is believed to be the first choice of United’s higher-ups. However, there is no guarantee the Spaniard would entertain a move and he could yet sign new terms with current club Paris Saint-Germain.

Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti were also mentioned in connection with the role after Ruben Amorim’s sacking. Since then, though, both have signed contract extensions to keep them in their current international jobs beyond this summer.

Champions League qualifying path

United will want to leave nothing to chance when it comes to booking a spot in next season’s Champions League. A fourth place finish will guarantee them a place in the league phase, though fifth could yet be enough.

While the situation is complicated, as things stand, the Premier League is all but guaranteed to get that bonus ‘European Performance Spot’ for a second season running. Newcastle United were the beneficiaries last term and are in the last 16 this time around.

Fifth place is all but guaranteed a Champions League spot thanks to the strong showing from English sides this season. However, a flurry of round of 16 eliminations could put that in jeopardy.

Manchester United have their fate in their own hands and can strengthen their hold on fourth spot this weekend. However, with just three points between fourth and sixth, that bonus spot could be a welcome fallback.

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