Manchester United have had a difficult start to the new Premier League campaign, picking up only five points after as many matches.
Despite this, manager Michael Carrick continues to retain the full trust of the hierarchy, but there continues to remain speculation over his future.
Calciomercato claim that former Napoli manager Antonio Conte is currently in ‘pole position’ to take the United job if Carrick is sacked in the coming months.
There has been initial contact to assess his availability, as Carrick’s future is reportedly uncertain.
Man Utd should steer clear of Conte
Carrick did a brilliant job as interim manager earlier this year. United were the best side in the league under him in the second half of the season, finishing third.
Hence, he has the confidence of the hierarchy. Despite a lean start, the board clearly believe he has the capacity to turn the club’s fortunes around in the near future.
If things don’t improve until the next international break, there could be a possibility of a change.
Conte has been mentioned as a top target for the Red Devils, but we believe they should steer clear of the Italian, who has been a problematic figure at many clubs.
The 57-year-old guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2024/25 before they finished second last term.
In his second season, Conte was at odds with the hierarchy, given he was not backed with the right signings. It eventually meant that he departed at the end of the season.
United ideally prefer more control of transfers through the sporting director. Carrick has his targets but the ultimate decision is made by Jason Wilcox, which has been agreed upon.
Conte is unlikely to work with such an arrangement and prefers more power in decision-making. United may not provide that and we don’t them pursuing his signature as a result.
Furthermore, the Italian works with a three-man central defence. The 3-4-2-1 formation failed under former manager Ruben Amorim, given United don’t have players to adapt to the system.
If the club contemplate parting ways with Carrick, they would ideally prefer another manager who is comfortable operating with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which suits the current squad.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com