Manchester United make initial Antonio Conte contact as Michael Carrick’s position comes under pressure

Manchester United are considering replacing manager Michael Carrick after a poor start to the Premier League season, with initial contact reportedly made with Antonio Conte.

According to Calcio Mercato, the club has held early discussions with Conte about taking charge if Carrick is dismissed.

United have collected five points from their opening five matches – their lowest total after five Premier League games since the 2014-15 season.

The pressure increased after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham in their fifth league fixture. It was the second consecutive season that Manchester United have drawn 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The result left United 12th in the table with five points, while Fulham moved off the bottom and left Tottenham at the foot of the Premier League after claiming their second point of the campaign.

Conte has been without a club since leaving Napoli at the end of last season. During his two seasons in charge, he guided Napoli to the Italian league title in his first campaign before leading them to Champions League qualification in his second.

The former Tottenham manager is therefore being considered as a possible successor to Carrick as Manchester United assess whether a change is needed to improve their results.