Antonio Conte Linked with Manchester United Job Amidst Carrick's Struggles
Antonio Conte is back on the Manchester United radar – at least in Italy.
The former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter coach is being pushed hard in the Italian press as a serious contender to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, with claims Conte has already made up his mind about a potential move should United come calling.
Carrick’s early promise, and the wobble that followed
Carrick’s story was supposed to be different.
He inherited a drifting side after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and promptly jolted it back to life. United surged into the Champions League places and cruised to a third-placed Premier League finish, turning pessimism into genuine optimism. That turnaround convinced new co-owners INEOS to remove the interim tag and hand Carrick a permanent deal: two years, a clear mandate, and the backing to shape the squad.
United did their homework. Other candidates were considered, dossiers compiled, scenarios mapped out. Carrick still won the argument.
But a few months on, the mood music has changed. Results have dipped, performances have sagged, and doubts have crept in. One former United player has already questioned whether Carrick would even make it to the January window if the current form continues.
That is the crack Italian media have driven Conte’s name straight through.
Conte ‘waiting by the phone’
On Tuesday, reports from Italy suggested United’s hierarchy were actively weighing up an approach for Conte, a serial title winner with a ferocious touchline presence and a reputation for instant impact.
Il Corriere dello Sport went further in a follow-up piece, insisting the idea is gathering momentum. Conte, out of work since leaving Napoli at the end of last season, is described as “waiting by the phone” for United.
The 57-year-old wants back in. Quickly. But on his terms.
According to the Italian outlet, Conte has already turned down the chance to return as Italy’s national team coach and rejected an offer from Fenerbahce. He is holding out for what he considers the right project. Old Trafford, with its scale, history and current turbulence, clearly appeals – and this is not the first time his name has been floated in connection with the job.
The problem for United? They are not alone.
Juventus are also reported to be considering a move to bring Conte back to the Allianz Stadium. The competition for his signature, the paper claims, is heating up.
United insist Carrick is safe – for now
On paper, Conte’s profile fits the bill for any restless superclub. Across 703 games in management, he boasts a 58.04% win rate. He wins leagues. He imposes structure. He rarely tiptoes around problems.
But inside Old Trafford, the line is clear: there are no plans to sack Michael Carrick.
Despite the poor start to the season and a painful 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Manchester City on Sunday, senior figures at United are not entertaining the idea of changing coach just months after handing him the job full-time.
There is also an acceptance of context. United ripped up and rebuilt their midfield in the summer. That kind of overhaul comes with teething problems, and those in charge expected a bedding-in period before the team found its rhythm.
Transfer frustration has played its part too. Fabrizio Romano, speaking after the derby defeat, underlined the club’s stance and the internal reading of the summer window.
“Man Utd absolutely remain convinced that the future will be bright under Michael Carrick,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
He added that United had wanted one more signing – a left-back – but refused to compromise on quality.
“Manchester United absolutely know that maybe the point about the summer transfer window was to add one more player, a left-back. They tried. It was not possible to proceed with the right options.
“United didn’t want to sign just to say: ‘OK, we signed one.’ They wanted to be convinced about the player they were going to sign, and so that’s why nothing happened.”
The message from the boardroom, Romano stressed, is unwavering.
“They maintain total faith and confidence in Michael Carrick. They only have four points in four Premier League games, so obviously this is disappointing in terms of results, but Man Utd remain convinced about that.”
Carrick’s own conviction
Carrick, for his part, is not retreating into doubt.
“Carrick remains absolutely convinced too,” Romano said. “What Carrick says in public – ‘We are going to do very well, I am confident, this team is good’ and all the rest – is what he’s saying to the club.
“Carrick remains absolutely convinced that this team can do very well in the next weeks and months, especially after the break. So that’s the feeling of Michael Carrick.”
So the picture is split.
In Manchester, the official stance is stability, patience and belief in a young manager navigating a squad in transition. In Italy, the drums are beating for Conte, a heavyweight coach apparently ready and waiting, his phone on loud, his options open.
If United’s form fails to turn, how long can those two realities coexist?
