Antonio Conte is reportedly open to taking the Manchester United job during the season, a development that could increase pressure on manager Michael Carrick despite the club not yet holding talks with alternative candidates.
United are understood to be aware of Conte’s availability, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is also among the names receiving internal appreciation. However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has stressed that the links should not yet be viewed as advanced.
Antonio Conte open to Manchester United opportunity
Conte is currently without a club and, unlike in previous years, appears willing to accept a position midway through a campaign rather than wait for a full summer and pre-season to prepare.
“When there are internal conversations regarding managers and more, there are more names being mentioned internally,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
He added: “For example, as I told you already in a video, Man United know very well that Antonio Conte could be open this season to take a job mid-season, which is a big difference compared to many other years when Antonio Conte didn’t want to take a job during the season.”
Romano’s update does not indicate that Manchester United are seriously considering approaching Conte at this stage. Carrick remains in place, with the club yet to open discussions with another managerial candidate.
However, if United fail to improve their results quickly, Conte’s availability could become a significant factor for those making decisions at Old Trafford. His willingness to work during the season provides an option that may not have been available in previous years.
The 57-year-old has won trophies at almost every club he has managed, including during his time in the Premier League with Chelsea. His spell at Tottenham did not produce the same success, although that has also proved a difficult role for several high-profile coaches.
With Carrick lacking extensive managerial experience, Conte could be viewed as a more established figure to lead United through their current uncertainty if the club decides a change is necessary.
