Manchester United considered Antonio Conte as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, but his traditional management style does not align with how the club is run. The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss was shortlisted alongside Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann after United's poor start to the season under Carrick.
However, Carrick has been given a stay of execution following drawn-out meetings on Monday and Tuesday after the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth. He will take charge of United against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, having managed just two wins from 12 games so far this season.
Conte's credentials and concerns
Conte is a hugely experienced manager who has won league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Chelsea. But the 57-year-old's intense training methods and desire to have control over transfers are increasingly alien in the modern age.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary United manager, addressed this shift on The Go Radio Business Show two years ago, saying: "I think that that manager [of everything] role has gone now [in football]."
Ferguson added: "I was lucky that I had a spell at United where I was a manager and had control of most parts of the club because I immersed myself in it. And also – which was really important – I had the personality and the communication skills to do that."
Personality and organisational demands
Ferguson emphasised the qualities required for the role: "It is really important if you are going to manage a club the size of Manchester United: you do need a good personality, and you need some really good organisational skills in terms of dealing with different types of personalities and different types of players. And, also, the fans from all over the world, you have to be aware you have to deliver not just for your players, but for a massive fanbase."
Conte, who left Napoli at the end of last season, has the personality to walk into a club the size of United, but his reputation often counts against him. He is acutely aware of this, having felt the need to issue a statement last week.
He wrote: "I have read reports of financial demand 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 are reports are unfounded, as here is currently no concrete basis for such assessments."
Conte added: "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."
