Manchester United have reportedly identified Antonio Conte as their number one managerial target should the club opt for a change in the dugout. The news comes as current manager Michael Carrick faces increasing pressure after a disappointing start to the 2026-27 season, despite significant summer spending and high expectations.

Hopes were high at Old Trafford following a third-place finish in the Premier League in the 2025-26 campaign, a significant improvement from 15th the season prior. The club further invested more than £150 million during the summer transfer window, exclusively strengthening central midfield as they looked to build on the progress made under permanent manager Carrick.

Carrick’s struggles and a historic home defeat

However, the new season has seen United stumble out of the blocks, winning just two of their opening seven matches across all competitions. Their victories have come against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at home and Champions League minnows Sabah.

The early campaign has also included defeats against Hull City, fierce rivals Manchester City, and Brighton and Hove Albion.

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The loss to Brighton was particularly damaging, as Manchester United surrendered a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford, marking the first time in 50 years the club had failed to win a home match after being two goals ahead. Their most recent outing saw them secure only a point against Fulham, adding further scrutiny to Carrick’s position.

Conte’s proven track record attracts United’s attention

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United’s hierarchy have held initial talks regarding the availability of 57-year-old Antonio Conte, who is currently a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season.

As highlighted by GiveMeSport, Conte would bring an extensive record of success at the highest level, having won league titles in both Serie A and the Premier League while also accumulating significant Champions League experience. His managerial career includes five league titles across spells with Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.

Conte’s managerial ability has also previously earned praise from some of football’s most respected figures. Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking about the Italian in 2017, praised the impact he had made at Chelsea.

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“He’s fantastic, you see his energy on the pitch. There’s a true saying that the team mirrors the manager, and that’s what they’ve done with him. His team have stayed top of the league for so long,” Ferguson said, as quoted by GiveMeSport.

Jurgen Klopp was similarly complimentary about Conte during the same year.

“I love Antonio. What a fantastic guy,” Klopp said. “Antonio has outstanding managing skills. He understands the game, so he saw what to do. Antonio’s really passionate and smart, and that’s a good combination, one you don’t have too often.”

With pressure continuing to build on Carrick, Manchester United’s reported interest in a manager with Conte’s experience represents a potential alternative direction for the club should results fail to improve. After entering the campaign with renewed expectations following last season’s third-place finish and another major summer investment, the coming weeks could prove crucial for Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

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