Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Man Utd officials Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Antonio Conte, but Juventus could decide to act first after Sunday’s humiliating defeat.
The Red Devils may be pondering a managerial change after a woeful start to the season. They currently find themselves in 13th place in the table, having only gathered seven points in as many Premier League rounds.
Most sources believe that Michael Carrick’s position remains safe for now, but another one or two poor results could change the narrative.
Juventus could lure Antonio Conte away from Man United
Antonio Conte on the dugout during his Napoli reign
(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
With Carrick’s position under scrutiny, a host of profiles have emerged as potential candidates to succeed the 45-year-old.
The most recent odds suggest Eddie Howe is the favourite, followed by Conte, whose name has been gaining steam in recent weeks.
Conte himself fueled the rumours by announcing his desire to take over a falling giant and restore its status.
Many in England have interpreted it as a message to the Man Utd board. Nevertheless, the Italian media argued that these words echoed a desire to rejoin Juventus, who haven’t won a league title in six years.
The Turin-based giants are enduring another poor campaign. On Sunday, they plunged to eighth place in the table after suffering a 0-3 defeat at home to Lazio. Therefore, the pressure is piling on Luciano Spalletti, who is beginning to lose the plot.
‼️SPALLETTI’S JUVENTUS FUTURE UNDER SERIOUS THREAT — ANTONIO CONTE EMERGES AS POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT!
Luciano Spalletti is facing growing scrutiny at Juventus, with serious concerns emerging over the team’s performances, lack of identity and declining intensity.
Following the… pic.twitter.com/31BPl7fWDN
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) October 19, 2026
According to Juventus insider Romeo Agresti, the Bianconeri are genuinely considering a managerial change, with Conte emerging as the solitary candidate.
A race between Man Utd & Juventus?
Antonio Conte on the sidelines
(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The last time Man Utd sacked their manager was on the back of a 1-1 draw at Leeds, replacing Ruben Amorim with Carrick. As for Juventus, they brought in Spalletti after pulling the trigger on Igor Tudor’s reign in the aftermath of a defeat to Lazio.
Ironically, the two results were replicated on Sunday, but neither club has decided to act, giving additional credit to their incumbent manager.
However, if Conte is ready to return to management, the club that shows more urgency could reap the benefits, while whoever shows more patience would be left to rue their luck.
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Conte’s Stats per Season Club League Final Standing
06/07 Arezzo Serie B 20th
07/08 Bari Serie B 11th
08/09 Bari Serie B 1st
10/11 Siena Serie B 2nd
11/12 Juventus Serie A 1st
12/13 Juventus Serie A 1st
13/14 Juventus Serie A 1st
16/17 Chelsea Premier League 1st
17/18 Chelsea Premier League 5th
19/20 Inter Milan Serie A 2nd
20/21 Inter Milan Serie A 1st
21/22 Tottenham Premier League 4th
22/23 Tottenham Premier League 5th
24/25 Napoli Serie A 1st
25/26 Napoli Serie A 2nd
The 57-year-old is one of the most decorated managers of the past 15 years, with five Serie A titles with three different clubs and a Premier League title with Chelsea.
The Italian tactician also has a track record of taking the most out of his players and implementing a winning mentality.
Therefore, many would argue he’s the best available solution for United, who might have to act swiftly and decisively.
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Related Items:Antonio Conte, Luciano Spalletti, Michael Carrick