LONDON: Manchester United are still undecided about whether to appoint Antonio Conte as head coach as Michael Carrick’s future becomes increasingly uncertain.
Sources with close knowledge revealed that Conte spent 24 hours in the United Kingdom during the recent international break.
However, sources close to Conte insist he has not held any meetings with any United representatives.
Sources in Italy claim that ‘the door is closed’ from United and believe the club will choose a coach with a different profile due to Conte’s outspoken and confrontational attitude.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is considered the most promising candidate among Premier League (EPL) coaches by United’s senior officials, but his appointment will require a high compensation package.
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Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna, who were previously considered by United, are now available after leaving Newcastle United and Ipswich Town respectively last summer.
McKenna was among several managers who held talks with United in May 2024 when the club were planning to sack Erik ten Hag before reversing the decision.
Former United sporting director Dan Ashworth backed Howe’s appointment after Ten Hag finally leaves the club in October 2024.
However, CEO Omar Berrada chose to finalize the deal with Ruben Amorim.
United have failed to record a win in seven matches and have won only two of their 11 games this season, after signing Carrick on a two-year contract in May.
Conte, 57, is now available after leaving Napoli last summer with the Italian coach guiding the club to Serie A title in 2025, while United are boldly aiming to end their Premier League title drought in 2028 in celebration of the club’s 150th anniversary.
Conte has won the Scudetto with Napoli, Inter Milan and Juventus, and was also the last manager to guide Chelsea to the EPL title in 2017.
The former Italian coach spent two years at Stamford Bridge and also won the FA Cup after beating United in the 2018 final.
Conte will no longer manage a team in England since his 18-month spell with Tottenham Hotspur ends in March 2023.
Tottenham qualified for the Champions League in Conte’s first season, but slipped to eighth place the following campaign before the manager criticised the alleged culture at the club.
Conte was actually open to taking over United in October 2021 as the club’s performance deteriorated under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, United are reluctant to appoint a coach with a confrontational personality like Conte.
He eventually replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs after the club lost to United in what was Solskjaer’s final win as manager.