Antonio Conte could emerge as a candidate for the Manchester United job if the club decides to part ways with Michael Carrick, although there is no immediate plan to make a managerial change.
According to Football Insider, Antonio Conte remains on United’s shortlist of potential replacements. The Italian is currently out of work after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, making him an easier option to appoint should Manchester United decide to look elsewhere.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke explained why Conte could attract interest from Old Trafford.
“If Manchester United do make a decision to look for a new manager and get rid of Michael Carrick, Antonio Conte will be one of the names in the frame,” O’Rourke said.
“He is a proven winner, as shown by his spell at Chelsea and the great success he has had in Italy as well.”
Conte Remains an option as United stick with Carrick
Conte’s record makes him an attractive name for clubs considering a change in the dugout. He won the Premier League with Chelsea and enjoyed considerable success in Italy, including leading Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season.
His departure from Napoli after just one year since winning the title has left him available, and O’Rourke believes several clubs could consider him if they decide to change managers.
“Conte, because of his previous record of success and obviously him being out of work, he’s going to be on a number of clubs’ lists if they do want to make a managerial change,” he added.
United appear prepared to give Michael Carrick more time to improve results rather than rush into another appointment.
Conte is not the only manager reportedly on the club’s radar. Football Insider has also indicated that former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is being considered as a possible option if Carrick loses his position.
Much will depend on how United perform in the coming weeks. Conte’s availability gives the club a potential alternative, but any move would depend on whether the hierarchy decides Carrick’s time at Old Trafford should come to an end.
Read Man Utd verdict
Antonio Conte is a winner, but Manchester United need stability for now. A vicious cycle of change in management since Sir Alex Ferguson retired has hardly improved United. A manager must be backed fully after a decent improvement.
Michael Carrick did a decent job to finish third in the Premier League. A decent window followed with a number of midfield signings, but key positions, including defence, were left for the next windows. What Manchester United must do is support Carrick for the season and let him have a run of games before any change is considered.
