Manchester United have already started exploring the coaching market and have made preliminary contact with Antonio Conte, reports Calciomercato.
The Italian tactician is viewed as a potential candidate should Michael Carrick's situation worsen.
While a decision on Carrick's future has yet to be made, Conte has not received an official offer from the club.
Manchester United begin exploring options
According to the Italian source, United's hierarchy is trying to gauge what alternatives will be available if the team's results do not improve.
Antonio Conte has emerged as the standout candidate among potential replacements. The first contact with the Italian’s representatives was reportedly necessary to assess his availability and stance regarding a possible return to England.
In the meantime, Carrick continues to manage the team.
Carrick secured permanent contract only in May
Michael Carrick was appointed as the permanent manager of Manchester United in May, signing a deal that runs until 2028.
However, the new season has proven challenging. After five games in the Premier League, pressure on Carrick has intensified, with victories over Ipswich and Sabah being the only successes for the team in all competitions so far this campaign, per the source.
Against this backdrop, the club is already considering various scenarios for the future.
Conte - the experienced option
Antonio Conte currently finds himself without a club after his departure from Napoli at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Previously, the Italian has managed Juventus, the Italian national team, Chelsea, Inter, Tottenham, and Napoli.
In England, Conte has already lifted the Premier League with Chelsea, while in Italy, he has claimed championships with Juventus, Inter, and Napoli.
His last success came during his first season at Napoli, where the team clinched the Serie A title. The following season, the club failed to defend their title, finishing second in the league.
