Conte opens talks with Manchester United as Carrick's position grows untenable

Antonio Conte has entered talks with Manchester United about succeeding Michael Carrick as head coach, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported on Thursday, with the 57-year-old said to have outlined a series of firm demands before any deal can be finalised.

Carrick’s position has become increasingly precarious after United’s 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday — a result that leaves the club with just two wins from their opening 11 matches across all competitions in the 2026/27 season. Those victories, against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah in Europe, have done little to ease the pressure on the 45-year-old, who was appointed on a permanent basis after guiding United back into the Champions League in the second half of last season.

Tensions inside the camp have spilled into the open, with captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioning Carrick’s tactical approach and the head coach responding by redirecting some of the blame towards his players.

According to La Repubblica, discussions between United’s hierarchy and Conte continued late on Wednesday evening. “The manager opened up about the possibility of returning to the Premier League, but has set specific conditions,” the Italian daily reported. “He is asking for carte blanche on the transfer market and the ability to choose the players who will support him in his new adventure. He wants to influence the team’s construction, identify players who are key to his game, and have trusted collaborators at his side.”

The newspaper added that United’s owners are expected to evaluate those demands in the coming hours, describing it as “a crucial step in determining whether the dialogue can develop into a concrete negotiation,” and noting that while there has been an opening, no agreement has yet been reached.

Conte brings considerable pedigree to any negotiation. He won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016/17 and has claimed Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli, consistently transforming squads that were underperforming relative to their resources. His demand for transfer authority, however, could complicate matters internally — United’s technical director Jason Wilcox’s standing at the club was already called into question following public criticism from defender Lisandro Martinez last week.

The Italian’s track record also raises questions about longevity. He has managed four clubs over the past decade, staying at each for roughly two years, which may give United’s ownership pause before handing over the level of institutional control he is understood to be seeking.

Conte is not the only name in the frame. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is reported to be the leading candidate to succeed Carrick, with United’s hierarchy weighing their options as pressure mounts on the current head coach.