Manchester United could be forced into a swift managerial decision to avoid missing out on Antonio Conte. A 1-1 draw at Leeds did little to ease the pressure on Michael Carrick, who is now winless in six matches.
With Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti also under increasing scrutiny after a 3-0 home loss to Lazio, United may need to act promptly should the Italian club move for Conte. That result left Juventus eighth in Serie A, eight points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Conte interest grows at Juventus
United have reportedly established contact with Conte, who is understood to be keen on the position. Juventus also represent an option for the 57-year-old, who left Napoli in the summer.
There is growing demand among Juventus supporters and the Italian press for Conte to return to the club he led between 2011 and 2014. Gazzetta said: "Even more than the Halloween-like standings; Juve are 8th, 8 points off the top, after just 7 games. Spalletti doesn't have the sense of resignation in his DNA. But yesterday, the Juventus world certainly fell asleep dreaming of Antonio Conte."
Corriere dello Sport wrote: "Luciano Spalletti is starting to feel the pinch of a delicate and unpredictable situation. And who, above all, feels the echo of rumours about Antonio Conte creeping into the corridors of Continassa: face it, Lucio, if this is the way things are going, it will be the soundtrack to your hot autumn."
History could repeat itself
Should Juventus secure Conte ahead of United, it would mark a case of history repeating itself. The former Chelsea manager had been keen on the United position in 2021 during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's turbulent spell at the helm.
Despite Conte being available, United maintained their backing of the Norwegian for several more weeks before eventually relieving him of his duties. By that point, Conte had already taken the reins at Tottenham.
Conte's next role
In a recent interview, Conte revealed he envisions his next role being at a fallen giant, with both United and Juventus fitting that description. He told The Athletic: "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."
For the time being, Carrick and Spalletti remain firmly in their respective positions. United travel to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus welcome Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday.
