Pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick after Manchester United’s poor opening to the Premier League season, with Antonio Conte emerging as a potential replacement should the club decide to change managers.
According to talkSPORT, Conte’s representatives have informed people at United that the Italian would be interested in taking charge if Carrick were dismissed. There is no confirmation that United have opened formal negotiations or decided to end Carrick’s tenure.
United have collected six points from their opening six league matches, leaving them 13th in the table. Their start has been compounded by elimination from the Carabao Cup, where Brighton came from two goals behind to win at Old Trafford.
The recent run has placed Carrick under considerable pressure despite the club’s decision to appoint him permanently during the summer, following an encouraging spell as interim manager.
Conte offers a markedly different managerial profile. The 57-year-old has won league titles in Italy and England, including the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016-17 and Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020-21. He also led Napoli to the Italian title in 2024-25.
His reputation has been built on demanding standards, intense training and a track record of turning teams into title contenders. However, his previous appointments have often been relatively short, and his willingness to take the United job remains a reported possibility rather than a formal offer.
Conte left Napoli after the 2025-26 campaign, having finished second in Serie A, and is currently available. His name has entered the discussion at a time when United are facing questions about recruitment, leadership and their ability to compete with the leading clubs.
The club’s immediate priority remains the next fixture under Carrick, who is preparing his side for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United. Another poor result would add to the scrutiny surrounding the manager, although no dismissal has been announced.
Conte is not the only name being discussed as a possible alternative, with Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also mentioned in reports about United’s potential options.
For now, the situation remains conditional: Conte is reportedly open to the opportunity if Carrick loses his job, but United have not confirmed a change of direction.