Antonio Conte has reportedly made two key demands to Manchester United's hierarchy if they decide to appoint him as Michael Carrick's successor. The former Chelsea, Tottenham and Napoli manager has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford amid the club's recent struggles.
Carrick is facing mounting pressure to turn results around, having secured just two victories from their opening 11 matches in all competitions this season. The Red Devils boss is expected to face questioning at his press conference on Friday ahead of the weekend fixture against Bournemouth.
Conte's Conditions for the Role
Italian reports indicate United have already entered into discussions with Conte regarding replacing Carrick following the 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. It is understood that talks with Conte continued on Wednesday evening, with the Italian having already expressed his eagerness to United's hierarchy to return to the Premier League, albeit with two firm conditions.
According to La Repubblica, Conte has insisted upon complete control over transfer dealings, as well as the authority to appoint his own backroom team. The report suggests Conte wants the final say on squad-building, identifying players who suit his tactical philosophy.
United's Managerial Shortlist
United's senior management are understood to be weighing up whether to meet these requirements, with performances expected to determine if they sever ties with Carrick. The club is believed to have compiled a list of potential managers, featuring Conte amongst the candidates, although Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are reportedly at odds over Carrick's successor.
The latter is understood to prefer Julian Nagelsmann, while Wilcox seeks a Premier League proven boss, with Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Unai Emery and Conte featuring on his shortlist. At present, Carrick is set to remain in charge for the clash with the Cherries, though reports suggest the club have already reached out to potential replacements should they opt to part ways with the 45-year-old.
Carrick's Response to Pressure
The current United manager insists he hasn't considered his future despite the side's poor sequence of results, and expressed his views regarding the dreadful performance in Como. Following the loss, Carrick stated: "Listen, I've not given my own position any thought. [My thoughts are] for the supporters – I was one of them watching that and I wasn't happy at all.
"It's not about me right now and my feelings in that regard. It's more of as a team and as a football club, what we want to look like, what we should look like. And as I said, the results can come and go at times, but you got to do it in a certain way. And that wasn't it."
