One step away! Antonio Conte closing in on the Manchester United job as Carrick faces the sack
Antonio Conte is reportedly one step away from becoming the new head coach of Manchester United, with Michael Carrick's position hanging by a thread after the defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Details: According to Italian reports, Manchester United are weighing up sacking Carrick following the Champions League loss in Madrid, and Conte has emerged as the leading candidate to take over. The club's representatives have already held preliminary contacts with the Italian's entourage to discuss the conditions of a potential collaboration, and the coach himself is open to a return to England if he receives guarantees over sporting demands and the transfer market.
Carrick's fate could be decided as early as next week. The former midfielder was confirmed as permanent head coach only in May after a successful interim spell, but a brutal start to the season has steadily eroded the board's patience, from the derby defeat to City to the Carabao Cup collapse against Brighton and now the setback in Spain.
United's hierarchy has reportedly concluded that only strict tactical discipline from a coach with a proven winning record in English football can rescue the campaign. That description fits Conte perfectly: the 57-year-old won the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season and added the FA Cup a year later, and he also took Tottenham Hotspur to a top-four finish.
The Italian has been out of work since leaving Napoli in the summer, having delivered the Serie A title in the 2024/25 campaign. He has repeatedly been linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past month, with Milan and Juventus also monitoring his situation, and he has made it clear he is waiting for an ambitious project capable of fighting for the biggest trophies.
It is worth noting that Conte's trademark demands full control and significant backing in the transfer market, something previous United coaches have not always enjoyed. Whether the Ineos leadership is prepared to grant him that power may ultimately decide how quickly this appointment materializes.
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Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
