Antonio Conte agent in contact with Manchester United

Manchester United’s latest managerial gamble is already facing a difficult examination after a disappointing opening to the 2026/27 season.

Michael Carrick earned the permanent job after guiding the club to a third-place Premier League finish last season, raising expectations that the team could finally build some momentum.

Instead, United have struggled to reproduce that form, collecting just six points from their opening six league matches.

A damaging 1-1 draw with Tottenham, despite facing ten men for a large portion of the contest, added to the frustration surrounding the team.

Their subsequent 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid only intensified the scrutiny, while Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the club’s leadership raised further questions about the atmosphere in the dressing room.

With results failing to match the club’s ambitions, United are facing growing pressure to decide whether their current project can get back on track.

Antonio Conte agent in contact with Manchester United

Representatives of Antonio Conte have told Manchester United that the Italian would be interested in taking over at Old Trafford if Carrick is sacked, according to talkSPORT.

The report does not mean United have decided to dismiss Carrick, nor does it confirm that a formal agreement is in place.

However, it places Antonio Conte firmly in the conversation at a time when the club’s hierarchy will be under pressure to consider its alternatives.

Conte has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most demanding and decorated coaches.

He won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus, took Chelsea to the Premier League crown in his first season in England and later guided Inter Milan to their first league title in 11 years.

His most recent major success came with Napoli, whom he led to the 2024/25 Serie A title.

Across those spells, his teams have repeatedly competed for domestic honours, although his intense approach has also brought difficult exits and strained relationships at times.

The 57-year-old has been without a club since leaving Napoli after the 2025/26 season.

He has also spoken about wanting a challenge at a club that needs to reconnect with its history and expectations, describing his desire to help a fallen giant compete for major trophies again.

That ambition would make United an obvious fit on paper.

The club has not won the Premier League since 2013, and its recent struggles have left supporters waiting for signs that it can consistently challenge for the biggest prizes.

Conte is not the only name linked with the position.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is reportedly admired by United’s hierarchy, while Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been mentioned as a potential option.