Antonio Conte has made contact with Manchester United as pressure mounts on manager Michael Carrick following the club’s poor start to the season.
The former Chelsea manager is currently out of work and is understood to have made United aware of his availability, according to a report by TeamTalk. Conte is being viewed as a leading potential replacement if Carrick’s position becomes untenable.
United have recorded only two wins this season and have lost four of their nine games. Their latest setback came on Tuesday, when they were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
That result followed a draw with Tottenham at the weekend, a match in which United were described as fortunate to avoid defeat. The run of results has intensified scrutiny of Carrick and increased speculation over how long he will remain in charge.
Antonio Conte contact comes as Carrick faces mounting pressure
Conte would represent an experienced and high-profile option for the club. He is a Premier League-winning coach, but United have previously been reluctant to appoint him because of concerns about his longer-term suitability.
However, the club’s immediate need for improved results could make those reservations less significant. After a succession of disappointing managerial appointments, those in charge at Old Trafford are under pressure to find a solution quickly if Carrick is dismissed.
United’s meeting with Leeds on Sunday could therefore prove significant for Carrick and for the club’s next steps. A further poor result would be likely to increase the focus on Conte’s availability.
