Antonio Conte has denied reports that he is demanding full control of transfers to become Manchester United’s next manager, insisting that discussions about his return to football have not reached an advanced stage.
The Italian, 57, has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford following his departure from Napoli this summer.
Conte, who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2017, said he would take his time before deciding on his next managerial appointment.
Conte Denies Making Demands of Manchester United
Reports in Italy earlier this week claimed Conte had established specific conditions for taking charge of Manchester United.
The discussions were reportedly held on the same evening Carrick’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that Conte wanted complete freedom over transfer decisions and the authority to operate as a manager rather than a head coach.
The report also suggested he wanted to appoint his own technical staff, including trusted associates.
Conte has now addressed the reports, acknowledging that his name has been associated with several clubs but rejecting claims that he has already made financial or operational demands.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte said.
Italian Manager Takes Time to Consider His Return
Conte said his successful spell at Napoli had given him the opportunity to carefully consider his next move rather than rush into another managerial position.
“Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management,” he said.
“It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.”
He also dismissed reports that he had already demanded substantial financial terms or complete control of recruitment from clubs interested in appointing him.
“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’.
These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments,” Conte said.
He added that any specific discussions about the terms of an appointment would take place if a genuine opportunity emerged.
“Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties’ needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.”
Ashley Young Warns Manchester United About Conte’s Methods
Conte’s managerial style has previously attracted attention for its intensity, with the Italian known for demanding high standards from his players.
During his time at Chelsea, he experienced disagreements involving striker Diego Costa, defender David Luiz and the club’s board.
His departure from Napoli came a year after winning the Serie A title, with Conte subsequently describing the atmosphere at the club as involving “too much poison, too much malice”.
Former Manchester United player Ashley Young, who worked under Conte at Inter Milan, also discussed the manager’s approach during an appearance on The Overlap this week.
Young described Conte as “crazy” and said his training sessions involved extensive running and demanding routines.
“You hear him non-stop. Training is intense, there’s a lot of running, it’s a little bit boring,” Young said.
He added that Conte’s meetings could last as long as four hours following a defeat.
“If United sign him and players don’t run, it’s going to be a disaster,” Young said.
Manchester United Consider Options to Replace Carrick
Conte is among several managers reportedly under consideration should Manchester United decide to dismiss Carrick.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is understood to favour a manager with established Premier League experience.
Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Unai Emery and Conte are all understood to feature on the club’s shortlist.
Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, meanwhile, is reportedly pushing for Julian Nagelsmann as a potential appointment.
The competing preferences come amid reports of disagreements within the club over its direction and decision-making.
Manchester United have maintained that Wilcox and Vivell have a healthy working relationship despite the difficult circumstances.
However, sources close to the dressing room have reportedly offered a different account of the situation.
Bruno Fernandes Questions Club’s Direction After Como Defeat
The debate over Manchester United’s leadership intensified after captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the team’s tactics following the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
One source close to a first-team player said changes needed to extend beyond the manager.
“It needs to start at the top,” the source said.
“Recruitment guys, manager, the lot need to go.”
Another source called for decisive action from the club’s leadership.
“This needs a strong board to make hard decisions fast. They’ve already wasted too much time,” the source said.
Fernandes also questioned the club’s current mentality in comments to Sky Italia following the defeat.
“At this club, there’s too much focus on what’s been done in the past, but we’re not those people anymore,” he said.
“The club and the players need to understand that.
Unfortunately for us — especially when it comes to the players — those who join expect to win trophies, win games, and reach the highest level, but unfortunately that’s been very difficult at this club in recent years.
That’s the situation.”
