Manchester United are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Antonio Conte to replace Michael Carrick, according to Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni of TuttoMercatoWeb. Writing in his column, Bucchioni addressed speculation about a possible Conte return to Juventus by stating that the former Napoli and Chelsea manager “is reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who have had a poor start to the Premier League season.”
The claim emerges amid growing pressure on Carrick. United have taken just six points from their opening six league matches—one win, three draws and two defeats—their worst start to a season in 40 years. A 1-1 home draw with 10-man Tottenham, in which they surrendered a late equaliser after taking the lead, extended a four-game winless run and left the side closer to the relegation places than the Champions League spots.
Conte, 57, has been without a club since leaving Napoli at the end of last season by mutual consent. He has previously indicated a preference for joining a historic club with high expectations, telling The Athletic that he would like to restore a fallen giant “not just to take part, but to compete.” United are understood to have made initial contact with his representatives last month, and Italian reports suggest he is enthusiastic about the Old Trafford opportunity.
The former Juventus, Chelsea, Inter and Napoli coach arrives with a proven record of immediate impact, having won multiple Serie A titles and the Premier League with Chelsea in his first season in England. However, neither United nor Conte has confirmed any agreement, and some reports note that the club has so far continued to back Carrick publicly. Discussions, if advanced, would still need to clear the club’s existing structure, including the influence of the sporting director on recruitment.
With fixtures against Atlético Madrid and Leeds approaching, the next results could determine how quickly any potential change materialises. For now, the Italian reports have added fresh speculation to an already unsettled situation at Old Trafford.
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