Former Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has hinted at the type of club he wants to manage after being linked with Manchester United.
United have endured a slow start to the season in the Premier League, collecting five points from five matches.
The Red Devils’ form has put head coach Michael Carrick’s position under scrutiny, with a report claiming that he does not have the ‘universal backing‘ at the club.
Conte has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to become United’s head coach if Carrick is sacked.
Conte, speaking to The Athletic, said he wants his next job to involve restoring a big club to its former glory, suggesting he could be open to joining the Mancunian giants.
“There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history. I’d like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more.
“Clubs where there’s pressure, where, ultimately, you know full well that you’re not going there just to take part, but to compete.”
United have endured a period of mediocrity since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, failing to win either the Premier League or UEFA Champions League.
Carrick’s arrival has raised optimism among some fans, but United’s slow start to the campaign is beginning to affect that optimism.
Conte has a better coaching pedigree than the former England midfielder, having won multiple titles, including the Premier League and Serie A.
However, the Italian has generally had relatively short managerial spells, raising questions about whether he would provide United with long-term stability.
Man United should target a manager who will give the club a long-term vision, like Ferguson did, rather than another temporary fix if Carrick is sacked.
Carrick still has time to secure his position, starting with Saturday’s visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford.
Failure to beat Tottenham, who are winless in the league this season, would increase the pressure on the 45-year-old.