Antonio Conte is reportedly moving toward an agreement to take over at Manchester United, a development that arrives as Michael Carrick faces mounting scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the Premier League campaign.
According to Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni, the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager is nearing a deal with the Red Devils, a move that could bring him back to English football. Bucchioni shared the claim in his column for TuttoMercatoWeb.
United have managed only six points from their first six league fixtures and sit 12th in the table. It is the club’s worst start to a league season since 1986, and it has prompted serious questions about the direction of the team under Carrick.
Bucchioni addressed speculation that Conte could return to Juventus, where he previously managed. Instead, he wrote that the Italian coach is closing in on an agreement to replace Carrick at Old Trafford.
“Meanwhile, for the record and for all Juventus fans (there are many) still hoping for Antonio Conte’s return, the former Juventus manager is reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who have had a poor start to the Premier League season…” Bucchioni wrote.
Bucchioni’s report represents a potentially significant shift in United’s managerial situation. Conte had already been mentioned as a possible option if the club decided to move on from Carrick, but the latest claim suggests talks may have advanced beyond initial interest.
Conte recently outlined the sort of project he would want next. Conte, who is 57, said he would like to restore a historically successful club to its former heights.
“There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history,” Conte noted.
“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 you know full well that you’re not going there just to take part, but to compete.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also suggested recently that Conte wants to return to management and would be interested in a major European club. United would fit that profile, though it remains unclear whether the club is ready to make an immediate change.
Should Old Trafford officials decide to act on Carrick, Conte would represent an elite candidate with the ability to set immediate standards.
Conte’s managerial record includes four Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as Premier League and FA Cup success at Chelsea. His most recent Premier League spell, at Tottenham, is the only club role where he did not win a trophy, though it is perhaps an understandable exception.
His demanding tactical discipline and winning mentality could supply the transformation United need to revive their season.
It remains unclear whether United will make an immediate managerial change. If they do, Conte is being linked with the job and would arrive with a record that suggests he can raise standards quickly.
