Sir Alex Ferguson has previously spoken highly of Antonio Conte, who is reportedly interested in replacing Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager. With Carrick under mounting pressure following a poor start to the season, there has reportedly been dialogue between United and Conte's representatives.
The 57-year-old is said to be interested in the job should Carrick depart. Conte has even dropped a public hint that his next role could be with a club like United.
Conte's Interest and Ferguson's Praise
In a recent interview with The Athletic, the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss, who left Napoli in the summer, said he sees himself managing a fallen giant, a term that fits United. He said: "There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history.
"I'd like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more. Clubs where there's pressure, where, ultimately, you know full well that you're not going there just to take part, but to compete."
There is great mutual respect between Ferguson and Conte. In 2017, after Conte led Chelsea to the title, United's greatest-ever manager hailed his energy and ability to mould a team in his image.
Previous Links and Current Situation
Ferguson told Sky Sports: "[He's] Fantastic, you see his energy on the pitch. There's a true saying that the team mirrors the manager, and that's what they've done with him.
"His team have stayed top of the league for so long. They lost to Arsenal and Liverpool early on, but since then they've been up."
Conte was also interested in the United job in 2021 amid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's poor start to the season. Despite Conte being out of work, United kept faith with the Norwegian for a few more weeks before eventually sacking him. By then, however, Conte had taken charge at Spurs.
For now, Carrick remains in situ as United gear up for Sunday's trip to Leeds United, the last match of Ruben Amorim's tenure in January. Lisandro Martinez will be part of the squad after apologising for his explosive post-match comments following Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Martinez's Apology and Fine
Martinez has held "positive" talks with Carrick and club chiefs regarding his remarks, in which he accused the club of lacking ambition and questioned their summer recruitment. The Argentina international admitted his interview "did not help" with keeping the club united and said he is "fully focused on winning together."
It is understood United will not make any disciplinary action against Martinez public, but he has reportedly been fined. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and could leave at the end of the season.
