Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future at the club after failing to live up to the expectations this season, with Antonio Conte a candidate to replace him.
A report from Caught Offside has claimed that Manchester United have already held exploratory talks with former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.
The Italian is regarded as one of the finest tacticians in the game, and he has done an impressive job in the Premier League in the past. It will be interesting to see if the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss is willing to return to the Premier League at the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag has been backed significantly by Manchester United. But he has not been able to deliver the results on the pitch. The Red Devils have had a mediocre campaign so far, and they are currently pushing for Europa League qualification. A club of their status should be challenging for league titles on a consistent basis.
Apart from the performances on the pitch, Erik ten Hag has fallen out with some of his players, and he has not managed to get the best out of his big money signings either. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United eventually run out of patience and decide to part ways with him.
Conte has won the Premier League with Chelsea in the past, and he knows all about English football. He could transform Manchester United with his tactical acumen. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
The report states that Conte would prefer to stay closer to his family in Italy, and he has already been linked with AC Milan. It is fair to assume that he will prioritise managing the Serie A giants if there is a concrete proposal on the table.
Manchester United will be hoping to win major trophies in the coming seasons, and they could certainly use a change. While there is no doubt that Eric ten Hag is a quality manager, things do not seem to be working out for him at Old Trafford based on the performances in the last few months.
The Dutchman might benefit from a change of scenery as well. Meanwhile, apart from Antonio Conte, Manchester United have also established contact with former Juventus manager Julen Lopetegui.