Antonio Conte has always wanted to pick his team in July, with a full preseason to drill them. According to Fabrizio Romano, that is no longer the case.

“Compared to other situations in the past, when Antonio Conte always wanted to wait for a new season,” Romano said, Conte “would be open this year” to taking a job mid-season, provided it is at a club with “big history” in Europe.

What it is not, Romano stressed, is a done deal. Italian reports suggesting Conte and Manchester United were already closing on an accord were pushed back on by the journalist, who insisted there is nothing yet to confirm.

“There is still nothing advanced, concrete, or serious” between Conte and Manchester United, Romano said. He added that United “are yet to make contact with any other manager to start a conversation” about replacing Michael Carrick.

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INEOS keeps backing Carrick

The timing is awkward. Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on 13 October, with Pablo Barrios scoring inside a minute, Leny Yoro sent off in the 74th and Ademola Lookman closing out the win. It was United’s fifth game without a victory.

Pressure around the head coach has grown, but Romano says no immediate action is coming.

“Nothing last minute, nothing like tonight or in the morning or in the next hours, is expected at Manchester United,” he told FootballTransfers.

Carrick signed a two-year contract in the summer after stabilising United following Ruben Amorim’s January dismissal and steering them back into the Champions League. INEOS still believes he can turn the current run around.

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The call Conte is waiting for

The focus on Conte is explained partly by what he has already turned down. Speaking to The Athletic earlier this month, Conte said he liked clubs “with a top history who are maybe now in a difficult moment,” where he could “help to restore the tradition, to restore the history and to win together again.” Romano called it a clear message.

“Antonio Conte is absolutely ready to restart,” Romano said.

“He rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia. He rejected approaches from Turkey because he wanted to go to a historical club and in a top, top league.”

Conte left Napoli at the end of last season. Manchester United is one of several European doors he would walk through, alongside opportunities in Italy, if the right club actually calls.

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For now, Carrick is in the dugout, no replacement has been approached, and Conte is waiting for a call that fits his criteria. United’s next fixture comes in the Premier League, with Carrick still their head coach.

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