Antonio Conte denies advanced talks with Manchester United amid Carrick’s uncertain future
Conte wrote on Instagram that speculation about a United takeover is unfounded, while United’s manager Michael Carrick remains under pressure following a heavy Champions League defeat.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former Chelsea and Napoli manager Antonio Conte said on Instagram that he is not in "advanced negotiations" with Manchester United, rejecting reports that he had demanded full control of the club’s transfer policy.
What happened
Italian newspaper La Repubblica claimed on Thursday that United’s board had discussed appointing Conte to replace Michael Carrick after United’s 4‑1 Champions League loss to Como on Wednesday. The report said Conte wanted full control of United’s transfer policy and intended to bring his own staff to Old Trafford.
Conte responded later that day, posting on Instagram that his name had been linked with several clubs but that there were "currently no negotiations at an advanced stage". He added that reports of financial demands and a request for full control were "unfounded".
What the reports add
BBC Sport noted that while Conte is reportedly keen on the United job, the Italian manager himself said he is not in advanced talks with any club. The outlet also quoted Conte’s Instagram statement in full.
Al Jazeera reported the same Instagram statement and added that Conte described his recent spell at Napoli as "wonderful and successful" and said he would take time to consider a return to management after winning Serie A in the 2024‑25 season.
What was said
Conte wrote on Instagram, "My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage," and described the media reports about financial demands and control as "unfounded" (BBC Sport).
In a separate statement quoted by Al Jazeera, Conte said, "Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management."
How it came about
United’s manager Michael Carrick has been under intense scrutiny after a 4‑1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, a result that left United 20th in the group and 13th in the Premier League. Earlier Felo coverage noted Carrick’s refusal to seek reassurance ahead of the Como tie (Carrick says he needs no reassurance ahead of United’s Champions League tie in Como) and the criticism from captain Bruno Fernandes after the loss (Bruno Fernandes blames Carrick’s tactics after United’s 4‑1 loss to Como). The speculation about a managerial change intensified after the defeat, prompting the La Repubblica report and Conte’s subsequent denial.
Key facts
- Antonio Conte said he is not in advanced negotiations with Manchester United (bbc.co.uk)
- Conte described media reports of financial demands and full control as unfounded (bbc.co.uk)
- Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday (aljazeera.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-21 — Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League
- 2026-10-21 — Bruno Fernandes criticised Michael Carrick’s tactics after the loss
- 2026-10-23 — La Repubblica reported Conte held talks with United’s board
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk
- [2] aljazeera.com
- [3] aljazeera.com
- [4] aljazeera.com
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