Antonio Conte Open to Manchester United Manager Job Amid Michael Carrick Pressure
Antonio Conte has signaled his availability to manage Manchester United as head coach Michael Carrick faces intense pressure following the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years. United has secured only six points from six matches, leaving them 18th in the standings and just three points above the relegation zone, detiksport reported.
The managerial crisis at Old Trafford is compounded by a collapse in multiple competitions. United was eliminated from the early rounds of the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 comeback loss to Brighton. More recently, a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on October 13, 2026, intensified calls for a leadership change. During that match, United conceded a goal in the first minute and played with 10 men after Leny Yoro received a red card, according to Kompas.
Conte expresses interest in Old Trafford vacancy
Antonio Conte has informed Manchester United of his interest in the managerial position if Michael Carrick is dismissed, detiksport reported via talkSport. The Italian manager, who most recently coached Napoli, is currently without a club and possesses extensive Premier League experience. Conte previously led Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup title between 2016 and 2018 and managed Tottenham from 2021 to 2023.
While the interest is noted, the current status of negotiations remains contested. CNN Indonesia reports that Fabrizio Romano stated there has been no concrete contact between Conte and the club. Romano noted that while Conte is open to joining a “club with a great history” to help it return to its former level, INEOS management continues to support Carrick for the immediate future.
Lisandro Martinez Criticizes Club Transfer Strategy
The instability on the pitch has led to open criticism from within the dressing room. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticized club executives regarding transfer strategy, arguing that investment to strengthen the squad has been inadequate, 20detik reported. This internal friction coincides with a tactical slump; 20detik notes that United has failed to win any of its last five matches, recording three losses and two draws.
Eddie Howe Leads Candidates for Manager Position
Conte is not the only name linked to the position. According to Football Italia, betting markets place Conte as the second-strongest candidate, trailing former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. Other names circulating in discussions include Julian Nagelsmann, Kieran McKenna, and Fabian Hürzeler. Hürzeler, who has led Brighton to third place, is viewed by some as a viable option due to his current Premier League success, Goal.com reported.
However, former player Paul Scholes expressed skepticism regarding Hürzeler’s ability to handle the specific pressures of Manchester United. Scholes argued that while Hürzeler has quality, the scrutiny at United is fundamentally different from that at Brighton. Scholes further criticized the club’s recurring cycle of managerial dismissals, questioning why the organization continues to fire coaches rather than holding the executives responsible for player recruitment and hiring decisions accountable.
Comparative Managerial Standing
| Candidate | Current Status | Key Pedigree/Metric | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Carrick | Incumbent | 3rd place finish (Jan-May 2026) | Kompas |
| Antonio Conte | Unemployed | Premier League & FA Cup Winner | detiksport |
| Fabian Hürzeler | Brighton Manager | Current 3rd place in EPL | Goal.com |
| Eddie Howe | Candidate | Top candidate via betting markets | Football Italia |
The immediate future of the club depends on the upcoming fixtures. While INEOS maintains public support for Carrick, Fabrizio Romano warned via CNN Indonesia that if results do not improve immediately, the risk to Carrick’s position will become “real and serious.” The club now faces the challenge of stabilizing a squad that is publicly dissatisfied with its recruitment while sitting in the bottom three of the league.
Whether United opts for the proven, high-intensity approach of Antonio Conte or looks toward a newer tactical profile like Hürzeler remains undecided. The decision will likely hinge on whether the board views the current failure as a coaching deficiency or a deeper structural issue rooted in the squad’s construction.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.