Manchester United are facing mounting pressure to turn their season around after a disappointing run of results raised fresh questions about Michael Carrick’s future.

The club’s hierarchy must now decide whether to continue backing their current manager or explore alternatives capable of delivering an immediate improvement.

Attention has reportedly turned towards an experienced name with a proven record of winning major trophies.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is said to have emerged as a potential candidate, although appointing the Italian could require United to make significant concessions over how the club is run.

Antonio Conte Sets Out Conditions Amid Manchester United Interest

According to Italian newspaper la Repubblica, Manchester United have been in contact with Conte as they assess their options following the team’s 4-1 defeat to Como.

The report states that discussions continued on Wednesday evening, with the 57-year-old open to the possibility of returning to the Premier League.

However, Conte is reportedly seeking considerable influence over the club’s football operations before committing to the role.

The Italian is said to want substantial control over transfer decisions, including the ability to identify players suited to his tactical approach. He also reportedly wants to select the members of his coaching staff rather than having the club dictate who works alongside him.

Those conditions could prove decisive as United’s leadership considers its next move. Granting Conte the authority he wants would represent a major commitment to his vision for rebuilding the squad, while potentially creating tension with the club’s existing recruitment structure.

Conte would bring considerable experience to Old Trafford. He won the Premier League with Chelsea in the 2016–17 season and has also collected league titles in Italy with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli. His previous spells in English football mean he would already understand the demands and scrutiny associated with managing a leading Premier League club.

Nevertheless, his appointment is far from certain. The report indicates that United’s owners are still evaluating his demands, and contact between the parties should not be interpreted as confirmation that a deal is close.

Carrick’s position has come under increasing scrutiny following the defeat to Como, with United struggling to produce consistent results. Despite the pressure, the club must weigh the potential benefits of a managerial change against the disruption that another appointment could bring.

Conte is also not the only name linked with the vacancy. Other reports have identified alternative candidates, including Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, as United consider their options.

For now, the central question is whether the club’s hierarchy is prepared to give Conte the level of control he reportedly wants. If negotiations progress, the Italian’s demands could become just as important as his coaching credentials in determining whether he becomes United’s next manager.