Manchester United turns to Conte and closes door on Deschamps

Didier Deschamps is unlikely to take over at Old Trafford. While the 1998 World Cup winner’s name had circulated as a credible alternative to succeed Michael Carrick at Manchester United, the Red Devils have reportedly turned their attention elsewhere by entering discussions with Antonio Conte, according to TuttoMercatoWeb and Il Mattino.

The Italian, who has been without a club for several months, is reportedly “one step away” from signing, according to Il Mattino. A decision could come quickly, with Carrick under pressure following a disastrous start to the season: just one win in six Premier League matches, a disappointing 13th place, and a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday evening in the Ligue des Champions.

For Deschamps, this is another opportunity slipping away. Since leaving the France national team at the end of the 2026 World Cup — where he handed over to Zinedine Zidane after fourteen years in charge — the 57-year-old coach has made clear his desire to return to work, whether at club level or with a national team. He had already turned down approaches from Saudi Arabia during the summer, and his name had briefly been linked with Real Madrid before José Mourinho’s appointment.

Manchester United’s interest in Conte is explained by the coach’s profile: a specialist in quick turnarounds, he won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 and led Inter Milan to the Scudetto in 2021. These are compelling arguments at a time when the Red Devils are seeking to stop the bleeding.