Manchester United have reportedly established contact with Antonio Conte, with the 57-year-old seen as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick.
Pressure continues to grow on Carrick, with the long international break likely to bring further reports scrutinising his position. According to a report by Calciomercato, Conte is seen as the leading candidate to replace the Englishman, with suggestions that the Red Devils have already made contact with the 57-year-old former Chelsea manager.
The managerial merry-go-round could continue in the Premier League for the first time this season, as Manchester United once again find themselves in a familiar situation. Carrick has come under severe pressure for the way the team has performed since the new season began.
With just a single win in five Premier League games so far, including losses to newly promoted Hull City and to ten-man Manchester City at Old Trafford, Carrick’s position has been called into question. Despite suggestions that the club are not planning to sack the former English midfielder, media reports are saying otherwise.
There are a few names being mentioned, including former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, as well as Europa League-winning Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. Another name is that of 57-year-old former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who is currently out of work, as Carrick’s position could face further scrutiny during the international break and beyond.
Will Antonio Conte move to Manchester United?
Earlier reports had linked Conte to the Manchester United job, but so far nothing concrete has been established despite the rumours. An earlier story stated that the Red Devils denied any contact with the 57-year-old former Chelsea manager, but the new story from Italy suggests otherwise, amid claims that Conte is the leading candidate to replace Carrick.
The Calciomercato story indicates that Manchester United have established contact with Conte and his camp over a possible move to Old Trafford. The 57-year-old is currently without a job after leaving Napoli in the summer following two successful seasons there, and he could be open to the idea of returning to the Premier League for a third spell.
Conte led Chelsea to the Premier League title in the 2016/17 season, but ultimately failed during his spell with Tottenham. Even so, he could be tempted by the prospect of taking over a team like Manchester United should they decide to sack Carrick, as the Italian may be viewed as someone who could revive a struggling side.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United pull the plug on the Carrick experiment and turn to an experienced manager like Conte. At the moment, nothing has been decided by the club, but the next few results could paint a clearer picture of Carrick’s future and the possible appointment of Conte as his successor.
