Antonio Conte emerges as Manchester United option amid growing Michael Carrick pressure

Antonio Conte is being considered as a potential Manchester United manager as pressure increases on Michael Carrick following the club’s difficult start to the season.

La Repubblica reports that some Manchester United supporters are calling for the club to appoint Conte, although the board has not made any formal move for the former Napoli manager.

A decision on whether to replace Carrick has not been made, according to the report, but dissatisfaction with the manager is growing.

The latest doubts over Carrick’s position followed Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday. United took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo, but Tottenham equalised through Dominic Solanke in stoppage time.

Tottenham played part of the match with 10 players and had not won in the Premier League this season before facing Manchester United. The result therefore intensified criticism of Carrick, particularly as United failed to secure victory despite their opponents’ difficulties.

Carrick guided Manchester United to qualification for the Champions League last season, but a run of recent results has led to fresh questions about whether he can remain in charge during the next stage of the club’s development.

Conte left Napoli last summer after spending two seasons with the Italian club. He has made clear his desire to return to the Premier League, where he won the league title with Chelsea and also managed Tottenham.

The Italian recently said he wanted to manage a club that had “lost the sense of its history”. Media reports have linked those comments to a possible move to Manchester United or a return to Juventus.

Despite the increasing speculation over Conte and the growing calls from supporters for a change, Manchester United’s management has yet to determine whether Carrick will continue in the role. No formal approach has been made for Conte at this stage.