Antonio Conte tops race to replace Michael Carrick as INEOS acts

On a quiet Tuesday morning, reports emerged that Antonio Conte is now in pole position to replace Michael Carrick as Man Utd's next manager, with contact made, after the Red Devils have collected only five points from their opening five league games.

Pressure mounts on Carrick

Current Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is under pressure after a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign. The Red Devils have collected only five points from their opening five Premier League games and have already exited the Carabao Cup. INEOS, the club's owner, had an easy decision to keep Carrick heading into the season, but the appointment is now described as going pear‑shaped.

According to reports, the board did not back Carrick sufficiently in the summer despite his caretaker success. That perceived lack of support has been cited as a factor in the team's poor performances.

Media speculation links Eddie Howe, Kieran McKenna and Julian Nagelsmann with the NEXT Utd job. All three have been mentioned as possible successors should Carrick be dismissed.

United's slump fuels Conte approach as Carrick faces pressure

Italian outlet Calciomercato claims former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is now the top target. The 57‑year‑old has been out of work since leaving Serie A giants Napoli at the end of last season. Man United have placed the Italian coach at the top of their wish list and initial contacts have been made.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer warned that United have a history of hiring interim managers without giving them the tools to succeed. “The problem is that we’ve seen this sort of script before with Manchester United and hiring interim managers,” he told Betfair. He added that Carrick was not backed as much as he should have been after guiding the club to a Champions League spot by finishing third in the Premier League.

Carrick was named permanent boss after surpassing expectations as caretaker, steering the Red Devils to third place and Champions League qualification. His rapid rise made him a club legend in a short span.

Conte at the centre of Manchester United if Carrick quits

If the club proceeds with Conte, the managerial change could reshape United's strategy ahead of the crucial second half of the season. The decision will also signal how INEOS intends to compete for the Premier League title and European places.