Antonio Conte has denied being in advanced negotiations with Manchester United, dismissing reports that he had already made demands over transfer control, financial terms and the club’s managerial structure amid growing uncertainty surrounding Michael Carrick’s future.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager issued the clarification on Friday after reports in Italy linked him with a possible move to Old Trafford following Manchester United’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
The result intensified scrutiny of Carrick, whose position has come under increasing pressure amid the club’s poor run of performances. United have reportedly begun exploring potential replacements, with Conte emerging as one of the names linked to the managerial vacancy.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica had reported that Conte was in discussions with United’s hierarchy and wanted significant authority over recruitment decisions, alongside the freedom to appoint his own backroom staff.
However, the Italian tactician rejected the claims that he had already negotiated such conditions with prospective employers.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte said in a statement published on his Instagram account.
The 57-year-old also dismissed reports that he had made financial demands or insisted on complete control of a club’s operations before considering a return to management.
“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’. These reports are unfounded,” he added.
Conte explained that any discussions about his next managerial position would take place only when a concrete opportunity emerged. He stressed that any potential agreement would require both parties to consider their respective expectations and working arrangements.
His statement, however, does not rule out a future move to Manchester United. Rather, it makes clear that reports portraying negotiations as advanced should not be treated as established fact.
Conte is currently without a club after leaving Napoli at the end of the 2025/26 season. He previously guided the Italian side to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 campaign, adding another major achievement to an impressive managerial career.
His record in English football is also notable. Conte led Chelsea to the Premier League title in the 2016/17 season and won the FA Cup the following year. He later took charge of Tottenham, guiding the north London club to Champions League qualification before leaving in March 2023.
Those achievements make him an experienced candidate whenever a major club considers changing managers. Nevertheless, his demanding approach and preference for having a strong influence over football operations have frequently featured in discussions about his managerial style.
Manchester United’s immediate concern remains the uncertainty surrounding Carrick, who has faced mounting criticism following the heavy defeat to Como. The result has added to questions about the team’s performances and the direction of the club’s campaign.
Despite the speculation, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, while the club continues to assess its options.
Conte is not the only manager whose name has surfaced in connection with the position. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have also been mentioned among possible candidates.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has likewise been linked with the vacancy, although he has publicly insisted that his attention remains on his current responsibilities.
Hurzeler also expressed respect for Carrick, describing the Manchester United manager as a good person and highlighting their positive relationship.
For United, the search for a possible successor comes against the backdrop of growing pressure to restore consistency and competitiveness. Any managerial change would involve more than identifying a coach with an impressive trophy record; the club would also need to consider tactical compatibility, recruitment responsibilities and the broader football structure.
Conte’s achievements suggest he could bring considerable experience to such a role, but his latest statement offers no confirmation that an appointment is imminent.
For now, the Italian remains cautious about his next move, insisting that he will take the time necessary to decide when and where to return to management.
Manchester United’s interest in alternative managerial options may continue to generate headlines, but Conte’s clarification draws an important distinction between being linked with the job and being close to accepting it.
