Manchester United - Man Utd
Antonio Conte has denied talks with any club, though news linking him to Man Utd keeps growing. He rejected the claims about his demands, while Michael Carrick’s future is unclear after Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat to Como.
Conte rejects claims over demands and control
As reported by La Repubblica, Antonio Conte held talks with the United board about replacing Carrick. The paper also claimed he wanted full control of transfers and the right to bring in his own staff. Conte replied on Instagram and called the stories about his demands and his strong personality untrue. His reply is guarded, because he stopped short of ruling out a future approach from any club.
Conte also said talks only make sense once a real chance appears, when both sides can discuss the terms. Conte is keen on the United job, according to BBC Sport, so the real question is when talks might begin. He has been a free agent since leaving Napoli last season, so United would owe no fee to hire him.
Carrick’s record so far in the 2026-27 season at Man Utd, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Won Draw Loss
Premier League 7 1 4 2
UEFA Champions League 3 1 0 2
Carabao Cup 1 0 0 1
Carrick faces pressure after heavy defeat in Europe
Michael Carrick is under pressure after United lost 4-1 to Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Champions League on Wednesday. Man United now face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, with Carrick expected to stay in charge. United have also begun to draw up a list of possible new bosses, BBC Sport adds.
Conte is not the only name, as Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are also said to want the job. Howe is a former Newcastle boss, while Nagelsmann once managed Germany, so both know top-level football well. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been linked because his side is third, though he has downplayed the talk. Hurzeler beat United twice in the 2024-25 league season, including a 3-1 win at Old Trafford. His contract runs until 2029, and he said he is“really focused” on his job at the club.
Manchester United - Man Utd
Manchester United - Man Utd
What Antonio Conte could bring to United tactically
Conte has a strong record in English football, having won the Premier League title in his first season at Chelsea. That 2016-17 side played a back three with wing-backs, a system that became his trademark. Chelsea won 30 of 38 league games and finished with 93 points, seven clear of Tottenham. He beat United in the FA Cup final a year later, adding a second trophy at Stamford Bridge. At Napoli he won the league in his first year and added the Italian Super Cup in his last.
His Tottenham spell shows the risks, as he took over from Jose Mourinho in 2021 and left after 16 months. His exit came in March 2023 after a news conference where he called players “selfish”and criticised the club culture. Conte, 57, stayed two years or less at his last four clubs, which raises doubts about his staying power.
United would still need to decide how much control over staff and transfers he gets. A back three would also ask United for two strong wing-backs, so squad balance would matter. The job will suit him only if United offer clear support on signings and set fair targets.