Antonio Conte has denied reports in Italy that he has given the green light to a move to a Manchester United on two conditions.
La Repubblica reported Conte had made two demands that would need to be met for him to commit to replacing the under-pressure Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
Conte was said to have insisted on full control over transfer strategy and the freedom to appoint a backroom staff of his choosing.
However, in a post on Instagram, Conte rejected those claims.
“Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position,” he wrote.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. 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. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.
“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, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.
“Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties’ needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.
“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact.”
Carrick is under huge pressure following a dismal start to his first permanent season in charge of United.
The former Middlesbrough boss, who made 464 appearances for United and won 17 trophies with them as a player, enjoyed an excellent interim spell in charge last season, helping the Red Devils finish third and qualify for the Champions League.
But they have taken just six points from seven games to start the Premier League season, while they have already been knocked out of the EFL Cup.
Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at Como made it two defeats from three in the Champions League, with Carrick’s position now thought to be hanging by a thread.
In addition to Conte, former Germany boss Julian Naglesmann has been linked with the job, while former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is thought to be the preferred choice of director of football Jason Wilcox.
Conte left Napoli in May, having led them to Serie A glory in 2024-25.
A Premier League title winner with Chelsea, the former Juventus, Inter Milan and Italy boss last worked in England during an ill-fated spell with Tottenham, which came to an end in March 2023.
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler distanced himself from speculation linking him with the position.
“I’m really focused on my job here,” Hurzeler said ahead of Sunday’s game at Liverpool. “I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days and, beside that, I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and what he has done with Manchester United the last season.
“He’s a great human being, a great personality. There’s nothing more to say about that.
“I’m really privileged to be here,” Hurzeler said. “I’m part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we are not finished with our journey.
“I always emphasise that I’m not 100 per cent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to make and potential to get out of the players.
“Therefore I really I want to work on that, together with my staff. I have a great group of players, players who support me and give everything for the club.
“We have built this [together] over the years. We’ve had good periods, we’ve had bad periods. To build these connections you need time. You don’t take these things for granted.
“It’s a people business. Making a people business out of this pressure business is something I don’t take for granted and something I won’t throw away that fast.”
United host Bournemouth on Sunday, which could be Carrick’s last chance to save his job.
You Should Also Read
