Manchester United have lost three of their last six games and have sought out a replacement for Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United, applauds fans after the final whistle during the Carabao Cup round 3 match betwee
Michael Carrick is under pressure at Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly identified Antonio Conte as their leading target to replace Michael Carrick, if the current head coach is sacked. Carrick has endured a difficult start to the campaign, having won over INEOS last season to become the permanent manager.
However, a mixed bag of results was compounded by Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at home to Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Home supporters chanted "what the f****** hell was that?" as Carrick and his team made their way off the pitch, with another shot at silverware squandered.
"We all know it's there," Carrick said after the game. "We know it's there whether it's good or whether it's not good. How you deal with that is the important thing.
"Being here toughens you up over a period of time, and it depends how you deal with it. You've got to deal with it in a way where you can cope with it and you can bring out the best in yourself, and whatever, however you do that, with your motivation and the confidence deep within yourself to, as a whole group I'm talking about here, that we know we can win football matches and that's what we are here for is to win."
"It feels pretty quick, as I just said about the couple of little things that go one way and we've gone out of the cup tonight, and the feeling around the place feels bigger than that."
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The Old Trafford defeat, having been 2-0 ahead, represented the first occasion on which United had surrendered such an advantage in 50 years.
While it might be premature to suggest the 45‐year‐old is confronting a must‐win fixture at Fulham this weekend, Italian media have already identified Conte as a leading replacement for Carrick.
An individual dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt is standing on a field, making a gesture with his right hand while appearing
Antonio Conte could take over from Michael Carrick at Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Corriere della Sera even claim the club 'aren't entirely sure about Carrick,' indicating United have 'begun to evaluate his future' and that 'another managerial change could be considered soon.'
Conte is understood to be leading that list of candidates.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss has been without a club since last season concluded and is thought to be awaiting the ideal opportunity to resume his managerial career, amid growing speculation about a potential return to Juventus.
Luciano Spalletti finds himself under mounting scrutiny, with Juve languishing in eighth place in Serie A after securing only two victories from their first four matches.
Meanwhile, Carrick has maintained he remains relaxed regarding his situation, stating: "I don't feel under pressure. Either way, that doesn't bother me one bit.
"It generally doesn't bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn't bother me."