Carrick under pressure — Conte emerges as Manchester United's leading candidate

15.09.2026 20:45 | 123 | Photo: Manchester Utd (X)

Michael Carrick is facing growing pressure as manager of Manchester United after a rocky start to the new Premier League season. The club’s recent results have revived questions about whether the former midfielder can lift the team back to the levels of Arsenal or Manchester City.

Carrick, who was handed the interim role in January 2026 and later given the job permanently after surpassing expectations, guided United to a third-place finish and qualification for the Champions League last season.

But this campaign has opened badly: after four Premier League rounds United have collected just four points. The 0–1 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford intensified scrutiny — City spent most of the match with ten players, yet United failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage.

Conte emerges as a leading option

Reports from Italy link INEOS to a search for alternatives, with Antonio Conte appearing at the top of the club’s wish list should United move to replace Carrick. Conte is currently without a club after leaving Napoli at the end of last season and is said to be waiting for a project significant enough to tempt his return to club management.

Conte brings a highly decorated resume: he has won ten major trophies in club football. His honours include the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2016/17, three consecutive Serie A championships with Juventus, the Scudetto with Inter in 2021, and, most recently, the Italian title with Napoli last year. Despite that pedigree, Manchester United have not made any decision to dismiss Carrick and the coach still has matches ahead to change the narrative.

Author: Zoran Gjorshoski

Photo: Manchester Utd (X)