Conte denies making control demands as Man Utd managerial links intensify

Antonio Conte has publicly denied reports that he is making sweeping demands over recruitment control and wages as speculation mounts over his next managerial appointment, with Manchester United among the clubs linked with the 57-year-old.

In a statement posted to his social media account, the former Napoli, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Juventus boss said there are “currently no negotiations at an advanced stage” with any club, and described reports of financial demands and requests for full control as “unfounded.”

“Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position,” Conte wrote. “I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.”

Conte left Napoli in the summer after two seasons in charge, having won the Scudetto in his debut campaign — adding to league titles previously claimed with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan. That record has placed him among the frontrunners to take over at Old Trafford should United move on from the current setup. The club have won just two of their opening 11 games this season.

In his statement, Conte said he intends to take the time necessary before returning to management. “Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.”

He added that any genuine discussions about terms would only take place once a concrete opportunity emerged, and would involve “due regard for both parties’ needs.”

Conte’s previous tenure in England ended acrimoniously when he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in March 2023 after publicly criticising the club’s culture and players. Before that, he won the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2016-17 and the FA Cup the following season, though his final summer at Stamford Bridge was marked by frustration over transfer targets.

Opinion among pundits remains divided over whether Conte would be the right fit at United, with his relatively short stints at recent clubs a point of contention alongside his well-documented desire to shape squads in his own image.