Antonio Conte has reportedly made it clear he is ready to become Manchester United's next manager, with his representatives approaching the club amid growing uncertainty over Michael Carrick's future at Old Trafford.
According to talkSPORT, the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Napoli head coach would be interested in taking charge of United if the club decides to part ways with Carrick. Those working on Conte's behalf have communicated his availability to the United hierarchy, although there has been no official indication that the club intends to make an immediate managerial change.
The development comes during a difficult period for Carrick, whose side have collected just six points from their opening six Premier League matches, leaving them 13th in the table. United are now without a victory in five consecutive matches across all competitions, with Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid adding to the pressure on the 45-year-old manager.
Conte ready for another Premier League challenge
The 57-year-old Italian has been without a club since leaving Napoli in the summer of 2026. He guided the Italian side to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 season before overseeing a second-place finish the following campaign, adding another successful chapter to a managerial career that has included domestic league titles with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Conte has previously expressed interest in taking charge of a major European club looking to rebuild its fortunes. Manchester United would fit that profile, having struggled to establish themselves as consistent Premier League title contenders since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.
According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries working with Conte held discussions with United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, during the summer. The Italian was interested in the position before the club decided to appoint Carrick permanently following his successful interim spell. His representatives have now reportedly renewed contact, indicating that he would be prepared to take charge immediately.
Conte already has considerable experience in English football. He led Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2016/17 and won the FA Cup the following season, while his later spell at Tottenham ended in March 2023 following a turbulent relationship with the club's hierarchy. His demanding approach and preference for a structured tactical system have been defining features of his coaching career.
Carrick faces a crucial test against Leeds United
United's recent results have raised questions about the progress made under Carrick, particularly after the club secured Champions League qualification with a third-place Premier League finish last season. The poor opening to the new campaign has also exposed tensions surrounding the club's recruitment strategy and the strength of its squad.
Following the defeat to Atletico Madrid, defender Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised the club's transfer policy, questioning whether the squad had received sufficient reinforcement during the summer. The Argentine subsequently stood by his comments while reiterating his support for Carrick and his teammates.
Despite the mounting speculation, United's leadership has not publicly announced plans to replace the manager. Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann have also been mentioned as possible alternatives, with different figures within the club reportedly favouring different candidates.
United travel to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, October 18, a fixture that could bring further scrutiny of Carrick's position if results fail to improve. For now, Conte's reported approach represents an expression of interest from the Italian's camp rather than confirmation that a managerial appointment is imminent.
Published by Patrick Jane
15.10.2026