According to Goal on Thursday, October 15, 2026, former Chelsea and Napoli manager Antonio Conte has reportedly informed Manchester United that he is ready to take charge at Old Trafford immediately if the club decides to part ways with head coach Michael Carrick.

The Italian manager is believed to be eager to return to the Premier League and has reportedly made his position clear through intermediaries who have contacted Manchester United's leadership. His renewed interest comes at a difficult time for Carrick, whose position is attracting increasing attention following the club's disappointing results this season.

Conte has been without a managerial job since leaving Napoli in the summer. He enjoyed considerable success during his time in Italy, winning the Serie A title in his first season before finishing second in the following campaign.

His record has made him an attractive option for Manchester United if the club decides that a change in leadership is necessary.

The 57-year-old manager previously held discussions with Manchester United officials during the summer as the club considered its options. However, the hierarchy eventually decided to appoint Carrick permanently after he helped the team secure Champions League qualification.

Despite missing out on the position at the time, Conte has reportedly maintained his interest in managing the English club. He believes he could help restore Manchester United to the level expected of one of Europe's biggest football institutions.

Conte has experience managing major English clubs. During his time at Chelsea, he won the Premier League title and the FA Cup before leaving Stamford Bridge in 2018. He later managed Tottenham Hotspur between 2021 and 2023.

His experience of handling pressure and competing for major trophies could appeal to United officials if they decide to search for a new manager.

Meanwhile, Carrick is facing growing pressure after Manchester United struggled to produce consistent performances at the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

The club's recent results have raised concerns among supporters, while questions about the team's performances have increased speculation about the head coach's future.

However, Manchester United have not officially announced plans to dismiss Carrick, and reports indicate that the club's leadership continues to support him for now.

The upcoming matches could prove important as Carrick attempts to improve results and ease the pressure surrounding his position.

Conte's reported availability gives United another possible option if the situation changes. Nevertheless, his willingness to take the job does not mean that an appointment is imminent, as formal negotiations have not been confirmed.

For now, Carrick remains in charge, but the growing speculation surrounding Conte adds another layer of uncertainty to Manchester United's managerial situation.