Conte plays down ‘unfounded’ Man Utd speculation

Sign InSportsConte plays down 'unfounded' Man Utd speculationBy Stacy Boit · October 23, 2026 · 1 min readSponsored AdAntonio Conte has clarified that he is not in advanced negotiations with any club, addressing reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he held talks with Manchester United regarding replacing Michael Carrick.

The rumors followed United’s 4-1 defeat against Como, with reports claiming Conte demanded full control over transfers and his own staff. While BBC Sport understands Conte is keen on the role, he stated on Instagram that reports regarding his financial demands, transfer control, and reservations about his personality are unfounded.

Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain following the heavy Champions League defeat to Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas.

Although Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, sources indicate that Manchester United have begun identifying potential successors.

Along with Conte, former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann are also understood to be interested in the position.

Conte is currently a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, where he won the Serie A title in his first year followed by a Supercoppa Italiana victory.

The 57-year-old manager has previous Premier League experience, having won the title with Chelsea in the 2016-17 season and the FA Cup the following year, before later managing Tottenham Hotspur for 16 months until March 2023.

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has distanced himself from links to the Old Trafford vacancy.

The German coach, whose side sits third in the Premier League, is contracted until 2029 and stated he has no time to focus on rumors due to his team’s fixture schedule. Hurzeler also expressed strong respect for Michael Carrick, describing him as a great person and personality.