By Adegboyega Adeleye
Antonio Conte has dismissed reports linking him with Manchester United as Michael Carrick’s potential replacement, describing claims that he has demanded full control of the club’s transfer policy and made financial demands as “unfounded”.
According to the BBC, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager said he was not in advanced negotiations with any club, despite reports in the Italian media that he had held talks with Manchester United’s board following their 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
The 57-year-old added that he would only discuss terms with a club if a concrete opportunity emerged, insisting that any agreement would have to consider the needs of both parties.
“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,” Conte said, according to Reuters.
“It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.”
Conte is a free agent after leaving Napoli, where he won the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season. He previously guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his debut campaign in 2016-17 and won the FA Cup the following season.
Carrick’s future under scrutiny
Speculation over Conte’s future at Old Trafford comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Carrick, whose position has come under pressure following United’s heavy defeat by Como.
The loss extended United’s winless run to seven matches in all competitions, while captain Bruno Fernandes questioned the team’s tactics and said the side had developed a “mood of defeat”.
Although Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, the BBC reports that United have begun identifying potential replacements.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the job.
Hurzeler distances himself from Man Utd links
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has also played down speculation linking him with the United vacancy, insisting that his focus remains on his current club.
Brighton are third in the Premier League, and the German manager is under contract until 2029.
“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 United head coach as “a great human being” and “a great personality”.
Conte, who previously managed Tottenham before leaving in March 2023, has not confirmed when he intends to return to management.
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