Manchester United have opted to stick with Michael Carrick after considering Antonio Conte as one of their options to replace him following a terrible start to the season
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte was considered by Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Antonio Conte would not be a good fit for Manchester United because his old school management methods don't align with the way the club is run.
Conte was one of the managers United's hierarchy considered after the team made a dreadful start to the season under Michael Carrick. The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss was shortlisted along with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.
However, Carrick has been given a stay of execution following drawn-out meetings on Monday and Tuesday in the wake of the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth. He will take charge of United against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, desperate for a win, having managed just two from 12 games so far this season.
Conte is a hugely experienced manager who has won league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Chelsea. But the 57-year-old's intense training methods and desire to have control over transfers are increasingly alien in the modern age.
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"I think that that manager [of everything] role has gone now [in football]," legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on The Go Radio Business Show two years ago.
"I was lucky that I had a spell at United where I was a manager and had control of most parts of the club because I immersed myself in it. And also – which was really important – I had the personality and the communication skills to do that.
"It is really important if you are going to manage a club the size of Manchester United: you do need a good personality, and you need some really good organisational skills in terms of dealing with different types of personalities and different types of players. And, also, the fans from all over the world, you have to be aware you have to deliver not just for your players, but for a massive fanbase."
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up on dementia and his late wife
Sir Alex Ferguson has explained what qualities a Manchester United manager needs(Image: (Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Conte, who left Napoli at the end of last season, undoubtedly has the personality to walk into a club the size of United, but his reputation often counts against him. It is something he is acutely aware of, having felt the need to issue a statement last week.
He wrote: "I have read reports of financial demand 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 are reports are unfounded, as here 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."
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