By
Arinze Izik

Manchester United’s path to appoint Antonio Conte has become clearer after Juventus opted to stick with their current manager.

Hardtalkinternationalmagazine understands Conte is open to an immediate return to Old Trafford. Our transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed on October 15 that the Italian coach has made himself available for the Manchester United job.

It is understood that representatives acting on behalf of Conte have reached out to United to communicate his strong interest in the position if a vacancy arises.

Conte had been willing to take charge at Old Trafford in the summer of 2026, but the club ultimately chose continuity. After leading the team to a third-place Premier League finish as interim manager last season, Michael Carrick was given the job permanently.

United are still publicly backing Carrick, but as always in football, results will decide his future.

Juventus had also been touted as a possible destination for a Conte comeback. The Turin giants are enduring a difficult spell under Luciano Spalletti and were beaten 3-0 at home by Lazio on Sunday.

That result leaves Juventus eighth in Serie A on 11 points after seven games, eight points adrift of leaders Inter Milan and second-placed Lazio.

However, any chance of a swift return to Juventus for Conte appears to be off the table for now.

According to respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, speaking on Calciomercato – L’Originale on Sky Sport and via TuttoJuve, the Bianconeri board have no intention of dismissing Spalletti.

“From the detailed checks we have done today inside Juventus, there is no Conte plan at the moment. There is no plan other than Luciano Spalletti, so not just Antonio Conte but no other coaches,” Di Marzio said.

“Juventus want to go forward with Luciano Spalletti and are absolutely convinced that he remains the right man for this squad.

“Time, results and performances will of course be the final judge, rightly or wrongly, but the defeat last night and the recent poor display have not shaken their belief. Even today, everyone inside Juventus believes Spalletti is the right coach to continue with and no alternatives are under consideration.”