Antonio Conte would reportedly hold out for the Manchester United job should the club part ways with Michael Carrick, despite being linked with a move to Juventus. The Italian remains a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of the 2025/26 season on mutual terms.
United sit 16th in the Premier League after winning just one of their first eight matches, placing Carrick under growing pressure at Old Trafford. A number of clubs, including United, are believed to be monitoring Conte as they weigh up their options.
Juventus Favour Deschamps
While Luciano Spalletti currently manages Juventus, the 67-year-old has faced scrutiny over poor Serie A results. The Old Lady sit eighth in the league table after nine matches, recording just four wins in Italy's top division.
Although Conte has been linked with taking charge at the Allianz Stadium if Spalletti is moved on, reports from La Stampa suggest Juventus favour Didier Deschamps. The club have reportedly been in contact with the former France national team manager, who left his role following a fourth-place finish at the World Cup this summer. Deschamps is said to be ready to return to work and has communicated with Juve through intermediaries.
Conte's Premier League Record
La Repubblica claim Conte would prefer to wait for a role with Manchester United. The 57-year-old previously guided Chelsea to a Premier League title in 2015/16 and an FA Cup the following season, before departing due to a fifth-place league finish. He also coached Tottenham Hotspur between 2021 and 2023 without winning silverware.
Conte recently downplayed speculation linking him with United, saying in a statement: "My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. 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."
Pressure Mounts on Carrick
Carrick has faced increasing scrutiny following a poor start to the season. In the Champions League, United cruised to a 4-0 win over Sabah in their opening match before suffering defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como. A result against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon could ease the pressure, but another defeat could prove costly.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to attend the 12.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge in person. United have a history of sacking underperforming head coaches mid-season, as Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim experienced.
