Antonio Conte Denies Advanced Talks With Manchester United Amid Speculation
The Italian manager addressed reports linking him with the Manchester United job, stating his name is often mentioned but no concrete negotiations are underway.
Antonio Conte has publicly addressed speculation linking him with the Manchester United managerial position, stating that he is not engaged in "advanced negotiations" with any club. Reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica claimed that Conte had held discussions with Manchester United's board regarding replacing Michael Carrick, following a recent 4-1 defeat.
The reports also suggested that the former Chelsea manager had demanded full control over the club's transfer policy and intended to bring in his own staff. However, Conte took to Instagram to refute these claims, describing them as "unfounded."
"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage," Conte stated. He further clarified that reports concerning financial demands, requests for complete control, and reservations about his "strong personality" are inaccurate.
Conte emphasized that if a concrete opportunity arises, discussions would occur with the relevant club to jointly consider the terms of any potential agreement, respecting the needs and approaches of both parties. He is currently a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, having previously won Serie A with the club and the Premier League with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's coaching situation remains uncertain. Sources indicate the club has begun identifying potential replacements for the manager. Conte, along with former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, have been identified as individuals with interest in the role. Conte won the Premier League in his first season with Chelsea and later managed Tottenham Hotspur before departing in March 2023.