Zahavi backs Antonio Conte’s United bid as Pochettino tops shortlist
Antonio Conte has rejected another move, keeping his focus on Man Utd. He is being represented by super agent Pini Zahavi in his bid for the Man Utd job. He turned down a different role while competing with Mauricio Pochettino to secure the Old Trafford position.
Continued interest and shortlist
Conte’s name has been linked with United frequently of late. The former Chelsea boss is thought to view the move to the Manchester club favourably. He is not among the most expected candidates, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann previously favoured, and Pochettino now leading the list.
Nevertheless, Conte remains an option, according to insider Santi Aouna, who disclosed the scale of the push. While Conte is usually represented by Federico Pastorello, Aouna says Pochettino is also being represented by Zahavi in United talks. Discussions with the Red Devils are ongoing, and despite internal doubts, Conte stays on the shortlist alongside Pochettino.
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Internal dynamics and next steps
Insiders agree Michael Carrick is unlikely to survive the international break. Saudi outlets winwin and Al‑Maidan have echoed Conte’s push for United. Pastorello told them that moving to Saudi Arabia is not an option for Conte this season and that rumours of him demanding large sums are false. That was amid speculation he might take the Al‑Ahli job and that he has offers from European clubs.
Several reports suggest Pochettino now tops United’s list, even after signing a new deal with the USMNT. TEAMtalk reports Jason Wilcox is set to present a succession plan with Pochettino and Eddie Howe as his two leading candidates. Howe had previously been Wilcox’s favourite ahead of Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, while Pochettino enjoys support from Sir Alex Ferguson.
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While Ratcliffe is believed to prefer an English appointment – namely Howe – he will heed others’ advice and let Wilcox have the final say. The club’s co‑owner Joel Glazer, together with Berrada, is understood to back Pochettino, and Wednesday’s Monaco summit will focus on the Argentine versus Howe. The i Paper says two US sources close to Joel and Avram Glazer say the family will not repeat the mistake of overlooking Pochettino.