Man Utd responds as a "champion coach" is ready to replace "Carrick," asking for just two conditions.
On 23 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Italian media La Repubblica reported that Antonio Conte, the skilled Italian coach, is interested in managing Manchester United if the Premier League club decides to dismiss Michael Carrick.
Sources say Man Utd contacted Antonio Conte's team after their 1-4 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League group stage match 3 last Wednesday, marking Carrick's seventh consecutive match without a win in all competitions (four losses, three draws).
Following discussions, Conte's team made two clear demands if he were to return to the Premier League, having previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham.
1. Full authority over transfer market decisions, including the right to select players to strengthen the squad according to his tactical approach.
2. Bringing in a new coaching staff he trusts to support achieving the team's goals.
Man Utd's ownership is considering these demands, which is a crucial step toward formal negotiations. Although talks have begun, no agreement has yet been reached.
Conte certainly has proven success, having won league titles with four clubs: Juventus (3 times), Chelsea (once), Inter Milan (once), and Napoli (once).
However, since INEOS took over the club's sports management, they have treated the Man Utd coach as a "Head Coach," which may make them hesitant to grant Conte full transfer decision power, especially after previous major issues with Erik ten Hag.
Man Utd failed to secure many players that ten Hag wanted, and some signings underperformed relative to their high fees, including Antony (£86 million), Rasmus Højlund (£72 million), André Onana (£47.2 million), and Tyrell Malacia (£13 million).
While changing the coaching staff is easier, it likely would require paying substantial compensation to Michael Carrick's current team.
