Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is facing pressure and Antonio Conte is among those mooted as a candidate.
Antonio Conte has been linked with Manchester United
Antonio Conte has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Antonio Conte has hit out at 'unfounded' reports over managerial demands amid Manchester United managerial links. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager has emerged as a potential candidate at Old Trafford but he says nothing is at an advanced stage and he will carefully consider his next move.
Current United boss Michael Carrick is under immense pressure, despite having been handed a two-year deal at the end of last season. Conte had been mooted as a potential candidate before last week's draw with Leeds United after reports in Italy claimed that intermediaries had put his name forward to take the Theatre of Dreams hotseat.
The Italian is said to have expressed an eagerness to join United but on two conditions. Conte had reportedly insisted upon complete control over transfer dealings, as well as the authority to appoint his own backroom team. Something he has now denied.
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In a post to his Instagram story, he said: “Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one l will make when I believe the conditions are right.
“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.
“Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.
“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact.
“Best wishes, Antonio Conte.”
The 45-year-old is looking for a response to Wednesday's damaging 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, a loss which extended their run without a win to seven matches.
Bruno Fernandes took aim at Carrick in a critique of his tactics in the wake of the disappointment in Northern Italy. However, Carrick remains in charge of the club going into Sunday's clash with Bournemouth.
Fabian Hurzeler, Unai Emery, Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna have all been touted as candidates to succeed the former United midfielder.
Both Hurzeler and Emery are in positions in the Premier League, and bringing them to Old Trafford would require reaching an agreement to pay compensation. Reports suggest that acquiring the German could result in a record-breaking fee for a manager, while The Guardian has suggested that Emery could cost up to £12million to snap him up from Aston Villa.