Conte Offers to Replace Carrick at Manchester United as Pressure Mounts After Atletico Defeat

Antonio Conte has reportedly expressed interest in becoming Manchester United’s next head coach if the club decides to sack Michael Carrick amid its disappointing run of results.
According to talkSPORT, representatives of the Italian manager have contacted United to communicate his willingness to take charge at Old Trafford as pressure continues to build on Carrick.
United’s struggles have intensified scrutiny of the current manager, with the club sitting 13th in the Premier League table on six points from their opening six matches. A 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, extending their winless run to five games.
Conte is not the only manager reportedly being considered as a possible replacement. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the position as speculation grows over United’s next move.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager brings significant experience in English football. He also led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 season before leaving the Italian club earlier this year, making him a potential candidate if United’s hierarchy opts for a change.
Meanwhile, tensions have reportedly emerged within the United dressing room following the defeat to Atletico Madrid. Argentina international Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised the club’s leadership over its summer recruitment, arguing that the squad needed more reinforcements to compete at the highest level.
“It was really poor, really poor,” Martinez told Amazon Prime after the defeat. He said he had expected more from those responsible for strengthening the team, adding: “To bring more players, to compete. Other teams bring in many more players. I expect more from everyone… 100 per cent I expected more from my technical director.”
Although Martinez acknowledged that the players also had to improve, he questioned whether changing managers alone would solve United’s wider problems. “You start changing, changing, changing manager, but what about other areas?” he said. According to talkSPORT, some senior players have supported his concerns, increasing scrutiny of the club’s leadership as United struggle to regain form.
Conte’s reported interest offers United a potential alternative should the club decide to end Carrick’s tenure. However, no appointment has been confirmed, and Carrick remains in charge while the club considers how to address its poor results and concerns over squad development.