Conte Denies Advanced Manchester United Talks After Reports Of Board Contact

Antonio Conte has rejected reports that he is in advanced negotiations with Manchester United, saying his representatives have not reached a late stage of talks with any club.

The denial followed a report in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Thursday claiming that Conte had spoken with United’s board about taking over from Michael Carrick after United’s 4-1 defeat by Como on Wednesday. The report also said Conte had asked for full control of transfer policy and wanted to bring in his own staff at Old Trafford.

BBC Sport understands Conte is interested in the position, but the Italian said no deal was close. Writing on Instagram, he said his name had been linked with many clubs but that “there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage.”

Conte also said reports about financial demands, requests for full control and reservations about his “strong personality” were “unfounded.” He added that if a concrete opportunity arose, he would discuss terms with the club involved and consider both sides’ needs and the qualities and approach that define his work as a manager.

Carrick’s position at United is uncertain after the heavy Champions League loss to Cesc Fabregas’s Como. Although Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, sources have told BBC Sport that United have started looking at possible replacements.

Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Conte and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are all understood to be interested in the job.

Conte, 57, is a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season. He won Serie A in his first season in Naples and the Supercoppa Italiana in his final campaign. He won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016-17 and the FA Cup the following season, beating Manchester United in the final. He returned to the Premier League in 2021 when he replaced Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, but left in March 2023 after criticising “selfish” players and the club’s culture.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has also distanced himself from links to Old Trafford. Hurzeler, whose side are third in the Premier League, has a contract until 2029 and said he was focused on his current job. “I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days,” he said, adding that he has great respect for Carrick.