Italian coach Antonio Conte is poised to step in for Michael Carrick at Manchester United, having outlined his transfer requirements. Reports indicate that the 57-year-old is adamant about bringing in a minimum of three new signings during the winter transfer window if he takes the reins.
The Italian press continues to link Conte's name with a move to Old Trafford. The former Chelsea boss remains without a club following his departure from Napoli at the end of last season. According to insider Fabrizio Romano, a significant shift in Conte's stance is that he is no longer insisting on waiting for the summer and a full pre-season. Instead, Conte is open to taking charge of a top club with a rich history right in the middle of the current campaign. In a recent interview, he confirmed he would consider an opportunity with a historic club aiming to reclaim lost glory. However, Romano clarified that official contact between the parties has yet to reach a concrete or advanced stage.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk reports that intermediaries representing the Italian have already reached out to the hierarchy at Manchester United. The coach's representatives have informed the club's bosses that Conte is ready to step into Carrick's shoes immediately. The Italian was eyeing the United job as early as summer 2026, but owners INEOS opted to stick with the Englishman at that time.
Carrick’s position, however, seems increasingly precarious. United have managed only six points from their first six Premier League fixtures and suffered an early exit from the League Cup against Brighton. They secured a victory over Sabah in the Champions League, but succumbed to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Amid this mounting pressure, Conte has already set out his terms for the role: a pivotal condition will be the immediate strengthening of the squad with three new recruits in January.
