Antonio Conte took a moment to praise Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s head coach ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
It’s going to be another long week for Manchester United fans with no midweek fixtures.
With every Champions League fixture taking place on Wednesday night, as opposed to being shared out between Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be plenty of games for fans to select from. It’s a chance to keep an eye on former players and loanees, such as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
On a positive note, it means United have a full week to prepare for Fulham in the Premier League. That boded well as Michael Carrick began his reign as United head coach with two wins over title contenders Man City and Arsenal.
Former United striker Michael Owen has warned Carrick about the challenges ahead because United have struggled to beat the lesser teams this season. It’s a problem he must overcome if the Reds are to secure Champions League football for next season.
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While we acknowledge fans who remain interested in the Champions League despite the lack of United’s involvement, there are also managers of other clubs paying close attention to how Carrick does in the dugout at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick clapping the fans after beating Arsenal
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Antonio Conte wishes Michael Carrick the best at Man Utd
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has never been one to mince his words.
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The former Chelsea manager criticised Amorim’s use of Rasmus Hojlund recently, but he has now hailed his successor, Carrick, as a ‘special’ person, having watched his first two matches in charge.
“Carrick is a special person,” Conte told reporters.
“I wish him the best. The two results obtained are special, especially for me who watched them. I hope he can continue well.”
This is high praise from a manager who has won domestic titles in Italy and England, which means Carrick must be doing something right to impress him.
Napoli have just eight points from seven matches in the Champions League, so the Serie A champions need to win to have any chance of climbing up the current standings.
It will be a chance for former United duo Scott McTominay and Hojlund to face Premier League opposition in Europe.
And, for that reason alone, I think there will be United fans eager to see Napoli get a result on Wednesday night.
Antonio Conte record against Man Utd
Conte is seen as one of the best Italian managers of the modern era and has previously been linked with the United job.
In his debut season at Chelsea, Conte won the Premier League, and his side lifted the FA Cup the following season.
Conte was also voted LMA Manager of the Year in 2017 for his title-winning campaign, receiving high praise for his success with the 3-4-3 system.
While Conte lost all four of his managerial visits to Old Trafford, he won all three games against United at Stamford Bridge.
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