Antonio Conte has denied reports that he is in advanced negotiations to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, dismissing claims that he has demanded full control of the club as “unfounded”.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli coach addressed the speculation as pressure mounted on Carrick following United’s 4-1 defeat by Como on Wednesday.
That result left United 13th in the Premier League and 20th in the Champions League standings, while extending their winless run in all competitions to seven matches.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte said in a statement.
The 57-year-old Italian added that he would take time to decide when to return to management after his spell at Napoli, where he won Serie A in the 2024-25 season.
“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,” he said.
Conte also rejected reports that he had made financial demands or sought complete control at clubs with which he had been linked.
“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’,” he said.
“These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.”
Antonio Conte keeps Manchester United speculation at arm’s length
Conte said he would only enter discussions if a genuine opportunity arose, with the terms of any potential agreement considered jointly by both parties.
“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact,” he added.
In an interview earlier this month, Conte said he wanted to manage a club that had “lost sight of their history” and help “make it shine once more”.
United captain Bruno Fernandes said the team had adopted a “mood of defeat” after the loss to Como and questioned the tactics, while Carrick apologised for the performance.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, another coach linked with the United job, also played down the speculation on Friday.
Hurzeler said he was focused on Brighton, who are third in the Premier League after an impressive start to the season and were due to visit Liverpool on Sunday.
“I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days and, beside that, I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and what he has done with Manchester United the last season,” the 33-year-old said.
Brighton’s scoring run ended with a goalless draw at Czech side Jablonec in the Europa League on Thursday. Hurzeler said there was still more potential to draw from his players as he continued to build with his staff at the club.
