Juventus and Milan rival Man United for Conte as Carrick pressure mounts

Manchester United face stiff competition from Juventus and AC Milan if they pursue Antonio Conte as a replacement for head coach Michael Carrick, according to multiple Italian sports newspapers.

Carrick is under scrutiny after an underwhelming start to the Premier League season, though United are not expected to make a managerial change during the current three-week international break. The pressure on Carrick is not unique — Alvaro Arbeloa and Roberto De Zerbi are among other Premier League managers facing similar questions, while Luciano Spalletti at Juventus and Ruben Amorim at Milan have also endured slow starts in Serie A.

Both Italian clubs are said to be interested in bringing Conte in, and United have been mentioned by the same outlets. Corriere dello Sport reports that Conte would consider an approach from Old Trafford if one were made, with the former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach described as waiting by the phone for offers.

Conte has already turned down at least two opportunities to return to management this year. He reportedly rejected an approach from Fenerbahce — whose head coach Ismail Kartal resigned before being persuaded to stay on — and declined the chance to take charge of the Italian national team over the summer after leaving Napoli. Italy have since reappointed Roberto Mancini.

Despite the speculation, Juventus and Milan currently appear the more realistic destinations. Both clubs won their final matches before the international break, which may ease the immediate pressure on their respective coaches, though the situation could shift again before the next international window in November.

Conte’s track record shows he is willing to take jobs mid-season — Tottenham appointed him in November 2021 following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo — and reports from Italy suggest he is keen to return to the dugout this autumn rather than extend his time away from the game.

For United, Conte is not the only name in circulation. Eddie Howe, who departed Newcastle United, has previously been linked with the role at Old Trafford and remains without a club.