Antonio Conte has not agreed to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano has said, despite growing speculation that the Italian could be appointed if the club decide to change manager.
Conte has emerged as a realistic option amid United’s poor start to the season, with reports in Italy suggesting that an agreement had already been reached. However, Romano has dismissed that claim and said the former Chelsea boss has not committed himself to Manchester United or any other club.
“My understanding is that Antonio Conte has no agreement with any club,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
Conte remains open to a mid-season appointment
Romano added that Conte’s position has nevertheless changed from earlier in his career. The 57-year-old had generally preferred to begin new jobs in the summer, allowing him to oversee pre-season, but he is now willing to take charge of a major European club during the campaign.
“That’s not true. Conte has no agreement done,” Romano said, rejecting suggestions that a deal with United had been completed.
The clarification comes as pressure builds on Carrick. United have reportedly taken just one victory from their opening six Premier League matches and were sitting 13th before Sunday’s meeting with Leeds, which was described as their worst league start in 40 years.
United have not officially opened talks with another manager, while Carrick remains in charge. But Conte’s availability and reported willingness to consider a mid-season move could increase scrutiny if results fail to improve.
Conte has won league titles in both England and Italy and would bring significant expectations to the role. For now, however, there is no Antonio Conte Manchester United agreement, with Carrick needing a swift improvement in form to strengthen his position.
