Antonio Conte has been linked with replacing Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with the Italian’s availability attracting attention following the club’s disastrous start to the season.

Carrick earned the permanent managerial position after guiding United to third place in the Premier League last season, despite a disappointing conclusion to the campaign.

However, the optimism surrounding his appointment has quickly disappeared.

United have won just two of their opening ten competitive matches this season, with Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United extending their winless run to six games.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring at Elland Road, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised after half-time, leaving Carrick facing further questions about his future.

United’s defensive struggles and inconsistent attacking performances have intensified pressure on INEOS to consider alternative managerial options.

Conte represents one of the most accomplished available candidates.

The 57-year-old won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before leading Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in England.

He subsequently ended Juventus’ nine-year dominance of Italian football with Inter Milan in 2021 and guided Napoli to another Serie A triumph in 2025.

Conte has been unemployed since leaving Napoli in May, making him an obvious candidate for clubs considering managerial changes.

As Centre Devils covered on October 15, his representatives had reportedly informed United of his interest in replacing Carrick.

However, a fresh development has now emerged regarding the Italian’s future.

Antonio Conte puts Manchester United discussions on hold

According to journalist Gerardo Fasano, speaking to AreaNapoli.it, Conte had frozen discussions involving Manchester United while monitoring a possible ownership change at Napoli.

Fasano claimed Antonio Conte was interested in returning to his former club if a reported Arab consortium completed a takeover.

However, the journalist revealed that Conte’s attention has since shifted towards Juventus.

He claimed John Elkann contacted Conte on October 19, asking him to remain available should Luciano Spalletti’s position become untenable before November’s international break.

Conte has reportedly suspended any potential Napoli negotiations following that approach.

Fasano added that the Italian remains deeply attached to Juventus, where he enjoyed considerable success as both a player and manager.

This development could complicate United’s pursuit of Conte should INEOS decide Carrick’s position is no longer sustainable.