By
Arinze Izik

Antonio Conte has reignited his bid to become Manchester United manager, with his representatives reaching out to Old Trafford to stress that he is available to take over immediately.

The 57-year-old Italian has been without a club since departing Napoli in the summer after two successful seasons in charge at the Diego Maradona Stadium, where he delivered the Serie A title in his debut campaign before finishing runners-up last season.

Hardtalkinternationalmagazine reports that Conte was already interested in the United role during the summer, when his camp held talks with director of football Jason Wilcox. At the time, however, Michael Carrick’s strong run as interim boss was enough to earn him the job on a permanent basis.

Even after missing out, Conte has kept a close eye on the position and has made no secret of his wish to return to the Premier League and manage a top English club.

According to fresh information, his intermediaries have now contacted United’s hierarchy again to reiterate his readiness to step in straight away.

Conte has a proven record in England. He won the Premier League and FA Cup during two years at Chelsea before leaving in 2018, and later managed Tottenham from 2021 to March 2023, departing with a win rate above 50 percent and Spurs sitting fourth in the table at the time.

His renewed approach comes at a difficult moment for United, who have lost four of their first nine games this season and have only two wins. They face an in-form Leeds United away on Sunday in a match seen as crucial to easing pressure on Carrick.

The 45-year-old secured the permanent job after leading United to Champions League qualification following Ruben Amorim’s exit in January, but the new campaign has started poorly.

United have publicly backed Carrick and there is no indication yet that the board has decided to sack him, though there is an acceptance internally that results must improve quickly.

Tensions have also surfaced in the dressing room, with players reportedly concerned that a managerial change could be made if form does not pick up — a situation highlighted by Lisandro Martinez’s outburst on Tuesday, which the defender later clarified.

Sources say Conte is confident he can turn United’s fortunes around and wants to be in pole position should the job become vacant. His camp’s contact does not mean formal negotiations have started, but it makes clear to United that he is willing and immediately available.

Meanwhile, reports on Wednesday claimed United’s board already has a top Premier League manager as their preferred replacement should Carrick fail to deliver a swift turnaround, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann also mentioned as potential candidates. Howe is said to be open to a high-profile return after recently rejecting a Champions League club.