Antonio Conte has signalled that his next managerial challenge could involve reviving a historic club, fuelling speculation that he may be interested in the Manchester United job as pressure grows on Michael Carrick.
The Italian is currently available after leaving Napoli and has outlined his desire to work at a club that has slipped from its former standards but retains the ambition to compete for major honours.
“There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history,” Conte said.
“I’d like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more. Clubs where there’s pressure, where, ultimately, you know full well that you’re not going there just to take part, but to compete.”
Antonio Conte linked with Manchester United role
Conte did not mention Manchester United, but his description has prompted renewed discussion about a possible move to Old Trafford. United’s recent struggles have raised questions over Carrick’s position despite the manager guiding the club back into the Champions League last season.
United have made a difficult start to the current campaign, winning only one of their opening Premier League matches and finding consistency hard to establish across competitions.
Italian media reports have suggested that Conte is emerging as a leading candidate for the role, with some contact reportedly already having taken place. There is, however, no indication that Manchester United have decided to replace Carrick or formally approached the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager.
A return to the Premier League would be Conte’s third managerial spell in English football. He enjoyed a successful first season with Chelsea, winning the Premier League before adding the FA Cup, while his time at Tottenham ended with his departure in March 2023.
Conte has also won multiple Serie A titles and has built a reputation for working in high-pressure environments. His comments about restoring a club’s history are therefore likely to intensify speculation over whether his next challenge could come at Manchester United.
