Manchester United’s heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to Cesc Fàbregas’s Como 1907 has turned the heat up around Michael Carrick, with the Old Trafford manager’s position now under serious pressure. Antonio Conte, currently out of work after a successful spell in charge of Napoli, is among the names being discussed should United decide to make a change.
Why it landed this week
- Manchester United
- Michael Carrick
- Antonio Conte
The result against Como has left Carrick’s future looking increasingly uncertain. United have not confirmed any decision on their manager, but potential replacements are already being considered as the club weighs its next move.
Conte’s name has emerged in England, while Juventus have also been linked with the Italian. He has moved to dampen down the wider speculation, however, insisting that there are no advanced talks with any club.
In a statement published on Instagram, Conte said he would take the time required before deciding “how and when” to return to management following what he described as a wonderful and successful period at Napoli.
He also rejected reports suggesting that he had already set financial demands, asked for complete control, or raised concerns over his reputation for having a strong personality. Conte said there was no concrete basis for such claims while no specific opportunity was on the table.
If a genuine offer arrives, he said, that would be the point at which he and the relevant club could discuss the terms of a possible agreement, taking account of both the club’s needs and his own methods as a coach. Until then, Conte maintained, the talk around his demands and his next job remains speculation rather than fact.
