Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with reports linking him to the job continuing to proliferate. Carrick is under pressure after Sunday's defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford left United winless in their last eight matches.
United executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are holding crisis talks at the club's training ground, with a statement on Carrick's future thought to be imminent.
Conte's Interest in United
Conte, who is out of work after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, was tipped as a likely replacement for Carrick as soon as United's form began to trend downwards. He has a proven track record in the Premier League, which he won with Chelsea in 2017, and has made clear he is interested in returning to the UK for his next project.
Speaking in October, he discussed his potential next steps, saying in an interview with The Athletic that he would like to take over a once-great club which has fallen on hard times. United are undoubtedly the most successful club in the country but have not won the Premier League since 2013, meaning they fit that bill quite well.
Conte's Statement on Links
Conte has also directly addressed links to the Man United job in a statement posted to his social media pages. Writing on his Instagram story last week, he addressed media reports linking him with "numerous clubs" and insisted he had yet to open talks with any suitors, also denying reports of his eye-watering salary demands.
He did, however, make clear he is open to returning to work whenever possible. The statement read: "Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position.
"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.
"I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality'. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.
"Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.
"Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact."
