Man Utd line up Carrick replacement who’s “one of the best in the world”

Michael Carrick remains under pressure, following the 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday, and “one of the best in the world” is a candidate for the Manchester United job.

United have won just one of their opening seven Premier League matches, and Carrick is now under the cosh, with the Englishman receiving criticism for some of his in-game management at Elland Road.

It certainly wasn’t a vintage performance against rivals Leeds, with the Red Devils recording an xG of just 0.92, compared to 1.41 from the hosts, and the result leaves them 13th in the Premier League table.

Unlike last season, in which there was no European football or cup competitions to worry about, the games are now coming thick and fast for Carrick, with a trip to Como in the Champions League to come on Wednesday.

Results will need to start improving sooner rather than later, with United starting to consider other options, and Eddie Howe has been named as a potential target, having been out of work since leaving Newcastle United in the summer.

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

However, Howe isn’t the only option, with Antonio Conte also in the frame to replace Carrick, and there has now been an update on United’s pursuit of the former Chelsea boss.

Man Utd facing Juventus threat in Antonio Conte pursuit

REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness), Conte is now keen on taking the Juventus job as soon as possible, with Luciano Spalletti under increasing pressure following a 3-0 defeat against Lazio on Sunday.

United are known to be keen on the Italian, and talks have reportedly already taken place, with it recently emerging he would be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

However, there has now been a twist, which means the Red Devils are at risk of waiting too long and missing out on the 57-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Napoli during the summer.

The ex-Napoli boss lifted two trophies during his time with the club, namely the Serie A title and Italian Super Cup, and he has won a total of 10 trophies throughout his career to date.

Former Napoli striker Daniel Fonseca has described Conte as “one of the best in the world”, and he is experienced in the Premier League, lifting the 2016-17 title during his time with Chelsea.