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Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has dismissed reports linking him with the Manchester United managerial job, describing claims that he has made financial demands and requested full control over the club’s transfer policy as “unfounded”.
The Italian’s clarification comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick following the club’s reported 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como and a series of disappointing results.
Reports in the Italian media had linked Conte with a possible move to Old Trafford, claiming that he had held discussions with Manchester United officials about taking charge of the Premier League club.
However, Conte insisted that he was not involved in advanced negotiations with any club, adding that he would only consider returning to management when the right opportunity emerged.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.
He also rejected reports that he had already outlined financial demands or insisted on having complete control over recruitment at clubs reportedly interested in appointing him.
“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,” he said.
Conte considers return to management
The 57-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Napoli, whom he guided to the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season.
Despite speculation linking him with Manchester United, Conte said he intended to take his time before deciding on his next managerial appointment.
“Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management,” he said, according to Reuters.
“It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.”
Conte has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most successful managers, winning domestic league titles with several clubs.
He led Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in England in 2016-17 and followed it with an FA Cup triumph the following campaign.
He also managed Tottenham Hotspur before leaving the North London club in March 2023.
Although his experience and record of winning trophies have made him a subject of speculation whenever a major managerial position becomes uncertain, Conte has not confirmed when he plans to return to the dugout.
Carrick’s position under scrutiny
Meanwhile, Carrick’s future at Manchester United has come under scrutiny following the club’s reported heavy defeat by Como.
The result reportedly extended United’s winless run to seven matches in all competitions, raising fresh questions about the team’s form, tactical approach and prospects under the current coaching arrangement.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was also reported to have questioned the team’s tactics, describing the atmosphere within the squad as a “mood of defeat”.
Despite the mounting pressure, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth on Sunday.
However, reports indicate that the club has begun identifying possible replacements should it decide to make a change in the technical area.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the position.
There has been no confirmation that Manchester United has reached an agreement with any of the reported candidates or that a decision has been made to remove Carrick.
Hurzeler distances himself from United links
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has also played down speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting that his focus remains on his current responsibilities.
Brighton are third in the Premier League, while Hurzeler is under contract with the club until 2029.
The German tactician said his demanding schedule had left him with little time to concern himself with rumours about a possible move.
“I am really focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days,” Hurzeler said.
He also expressed respect for Carrick, describing the Manchester United head coach as “a great human being” and “a great personality”.
Conte’s comments have therefore cast doubt on reports suggesting that he is preparing to take over at Old Trafford, although speculation over Manchester United’s managerial future continues.
For now, the Italian has made it clear that he is not involved in advanced negotiations with any club and will only consider his next move when he believes the circumstances are right.
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