Manchester United have positioned Antonio Conte at the top of their target list should club executives decide to terminate Michael Carrick’s tenure in the coming period.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, initial contact has been established with Conte’s representatives to gauge his willingness to return to the Premier League, though discussions have not progressed to a formal offer or agreement.
Pressure has mounted rapidly on Carrick after Manchester United secured just four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures, leaving the club in 13th place alongside an early exit from the EFL Cup.
The difficult start includes a loss to Hull City, a draw with Everton, a derby defeat against a 10-man Manchester City, and throwing away a lead to suffer a 3–2 defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford.
While the hierarchy does not plan an immediate dismissal, internal assessments of alternative options have commenced in anticipation of continued poor form—particularly as Carrick’s first full season as permanent manager has fallen well short of expectations.
Conte has been available since parting ways with Napoli by mutual consent in June following a two-season spell during which he secured both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia before departing with a year remaining on his contract.
The Italian manager possesses extensive Premier League experience, having won the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea before managing Tottenham Hotspur, alongside securing Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli.
For now, Conte remains a readily available candidate rather than an appointed manager, with initial contact serving as a preliminary inquiry while Carrick’s long-term future hinges on upcoming results and the board’s final evaluation.
