Antonio Conte sets out conditions for next club amid Manchester United links

Antonio Conte says his next job must involve restoring a club with a proud history to the fight for major trophies, amid renewed speculation linking him with Manchester United.

The 57-year-old Italian has been without a club since leaving Napoli at the end of last season. During his two-year spell in charge, he guided the club to the Italian title and the Italian Super Cup.

Conte, who has previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, discussed his possible next move in an interview with The Athletic. His comments were reported by the Daily Mail.

“If I go to a club whose history speaks for itself – a history made up of cups, league titles and victories – you can only honour that history in one way: by having the ambition to rebuild that club, if it is not there today, to fight for those objectives,” Conte said.

“I know perfectly well that only one team can win every year, but I must carry in my heart, and instil in the hearts of the fans, the players and the directors, that spark, that hope that makes you say: ‘Of course, we can win.’ History is only made by winning.”

He added: “The clubs where there is pressure, where you know that in the end you are not going there simply to take part, but to compete.”

Conte did not specifically name Manchester United, but his description of a fallen giant has been interpreted as applying to a small group of clubs across Europe, including the 20-time English champions.

Manchester United have endured a difficult period and have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge, in 2012-13. The club are also facing scrutiny over their start to the current campaign under manager Michael Carrick.

United have taken only five points from their opening five matches and have been unable to build on the momentum created during the second half of last season, when Carrick led them to third place.

Conte has been linked with the Manchester United job in the past. Other possible destinations suggested by his comments include Juventus, whom he managed from 2011 to 2014, and Milan.

The Italian has generally taken charge of clubs during the summer, but he indicated that he could consider an opportunity during the season if the circumstances were right.

“I would accept a job in the middle of the season if it was worth it,” Conte said.