Man Utd Questions Antonio Conte’s Suitability if Michael Carrick is Dismissed, as a Leading Contender Arises

October 22, 2026 sportnow MANCHESTER UNITED are uncertain about hiring Antonio Conte due to growing concerns surrounding Michael Carrick’s position.

A reliable source revealed that Conte spent 24 hours in the UK during the recent international break. Close associates of Conte emphasized that he has not conferred with any representatives from United.

Italian sources claim that “doors are closed” on United’s side and suggest that the club may prefer a different type of coach due to Conte’s fiery nature. No formal discussions have taken place between United and Conte.

Senior figures at United regard Brighton’s coach Fabian Hurzeler as the top Premier League candidate but acknowledge that hiring him would involve a significant compensation payout.

Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna, both previously considered by United, are currently available following their departures from Newcastle and Ipswich Town this summer.

McKenna was among the managers interviewed by United in May 2024, as the club contemplated sacking Erik ten Hag before deciding against it.

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Former United sporting director Dan Ashworth had advocated for hiring Howe after Ten Hag left in October 2024, but chief executive Omar Berrada facilitated a deal for Ruben Amorim instead.

Ashworth departed United unceremoniously in December 2024, while Ineos director Sir Dave Brailsford, another supporter of Howe, left after the 2024-25 season.

United have gone seven matches without a win and have secured only two victories in their eleven games this season, having granted Carrick a two-year contract in May.

Conte, 57, is currently available after parting ways with Napoli in the summer. He led Napoli to the 2025 Serie A title, and United are ambitiously aiming to end their Premier League title drought by 2028, coinciding with the club’s 150th anniversary.

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Conte has clinched the Scudetto with Napoli, Inter Milan, and Juventus, and he was the last manager to secure the Premier League title for Chelsea in 2017.

The former Italy coach spent two years at Stamford Bridge, where he also won the FA Cup by defeating United in the 2018 final.

Since an 18-month spell at Tottenham that ended in March 2023, Conte has not managed in England.

Tottenham qualified for the Champions League during Conte’s first season, but they dropped to eighth the following year, leading him to criticize the club’s losing mentality.

Conte showed interest in taking over at United in October 2021 as the club spiraled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United were hesitant to choose a manager with as strong a personality as Conte, who ultimately took over at Spurs after they lost to United in Solskjaer’s last victory in charge.