Elite manager ready to ‘accept’ Man Utd job, Fabregas said he’s better tactically than Pep
Michael Carrick is coming under increasing pressure at Manchester United following a disappointing start to the season, with questions growing over whether he is the right man to lead the club forward.
The Red Devils have won just twice in all competitions this term, at home to Sabah and Ipswich, with their recent defeat to Atletico Madrid extending their winless run to five and further intensifying scrutiny of Carrick’s position.
Despite guiding United to an impressive finish last season, the former Middlesbrough boss has struggled to build on that momentum, and Richard Keys has now suggested his departure could be imminent.
Speaking on Keys and Gray Unleashed this week, the presenter delivered a scathing assessment of Carrick’s tenure: “I think there’s a race on now between Russell Martin and Michael Carrick as to who goes first.
“As far as Michael is concerned, we backed him, we gave him the support that we should have done.
“United didn’t have a choice after the way they finished last year. But there was no Europe, there was no pressure.
“And are we surprised now that the failed manager of Middlesbrough is failing at Manchester United?”
While United have so far resisted calls to make another managerial change, one of Europe’s most decorated coaches is reportedly ready to take the job should the opportunity arise.
Antonio Conte ready to accept Manchester United job
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it, via Sport Witness, Antonio Conte is keen on taking charge at Manchester United and “would accept” an offer from the club, even midway through the season.
The 57-year-old is currently out of work after leaving Napoli, where he won the Serie A title in 2024/25 before guiding them to a second-place finish last season.
Conte is reportedly awaiting an approach from United, with the next few days potentially decisive as speculation grows over Carrick’s future.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that the interest is currently coming from Conte’s side, rather than United, who remain determined to support their current manager.
Conte’s credentials are certainly impressive, having previously won the Premier League with Chelsea, while former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas once suggested his tactical knowledge even surpassed that of Pep Guardiola.
“He is the coach who worked the most tactically, more than with Mourinho and Guardiola,” Fabregas said. “Conte is meticulous. Until everything is done, training is not finished. Conte is something else.”
Guardiola himself has also been full of praise for the former Tottenham manager, previously describing him as one of the very best in the business.
“My opinion about my colleague Conte is that he’s superb, maybe he’s the best. How he was able to make Italy play beautiful football, Juventus too, in a culture where it’s so defensive. He’s an excellent manager.”
For now, United appear focused on giving Carrick time to turn things around, with preparations also underway for the January transfer window.
A new left-back is expected to be among the club’s priorities, although Newcastle United’s decision to hand Lewis Hall a new contract has seemingly taken one of their leading targets off the market.
Carrick will hope reinforcements can help revive United’s fortunes, but further disappointing results could only increase speculation surrounding his future, particularly with a manager of Conte’s calibre seemingly ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
