Manchester United Eye Antonio Conte to Replace Michael Carrick Amid Poor Start
Manchester United Consider Antonio Conte for Managerial Role
Manchester United are reportedly interested in bringing back Antonio Conte to take over from Michael Carrick after a troubling beginning to their 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Preparing for Change at Old Trafford
The club has been exploring options following a disappointing run of results under Carrick. Despite hopes to build on last season with Carrick's permanent appointment and new summer signings, defeats to Hull City, Manchester City, and Brighton have left the team struggling for consistency.
Conte Leads the Race for the Job
According to Calciomercato, Conte—who managed Chelsea and Tottenham previously—is the top candidate for the position. The 57-year-old Italian is currently without a club after leaving Napoli last season. Although there was speculation about him returning to the Italy national team, that spot went to Roberto Mancini, making a return to the Premier League more likely.
Mixed Performances and Rising Pressure
United have won comfortably against Ipswich Town and Champions League side Sabah at home, but the overall form remains worrisome. A recent defeat to Brighton ended a 50-year record where United never lost at home after leading by two goals. This collapse has increased pressure on Carrick to turn things around.
"Carrick faces a critical three-week international break to find ways to improve and bring back the promising displays from last season's latter half," reports suggest.
Key Fixtures Await After International Break
The upcoming weeks are crucial. United will host bottom-ranked Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, a match loaded with tension given Spurs’ manager Roberto De Zerbi is also under pressure. Failure to win could severely harm Carrick’s standing.
Shortly after, United travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Poor results in these games might hasten Conte's arrival in Manchester.
- Next matches:
- Date: 10 Oct 2026
- Opponent: Tottenham Hotspur
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Kick-off: 19:30
