Manchester United Crisis: Why INEOS Should Be Bold and Bring in Conte
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- Manchester United mencatat awal terburuk di Premier League sejak 2014/15 dengan hanya satu kemenangan dan tersingkir dari Carabao Cup.
- Manajemen INEOS di bawah Sir Jim Ratcliffe tengah mempertimbangkan opsi pelatih elit, termasuk Antonio Conte yang dikabarkan menunggu panggilan.
- Keputusan mengganti Carrick dengan Conte berisiko menimbulkan gejolak, tetapi bisa menjadi langkah tegas untuk menyelamatkan musim.
Manchester United is once again on the brink after recording their worst Premier League start since the 2014/15 season. Just one win from several opening matches and an early exit from the Carabao Cup have put Michael Carrick under increasing pressure. The INEOS management, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, now faces a dilemma: grant him more time or take drastic action by bringing in an elite coach.
The decision to permanently appoint Carrick was initially met with optimism, but the specter of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's failure now looms again. Carrick did show a glimmer of hope during his interim spell in early 2026, accumulating 41 points—the most in the league—seemingly putting United back on a championship path. However, that performance has now vanished, replaced by a record resembling a relegation-zone team. This drastic change raises questions about Carrick's ability to manage high expectations at Old Trafford.
Data indicates that none of the previous managers—Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, or Ruben Amorim—had a start to the season as poor as Carrick's. Nevertheless, Carrick is seen as strong in building personal relationships with players, which might be why the management is still hesitant to terminate his contract. However, Carrick's experience at the highest level as a head coach is limited to managing Middlesbrough, which is clearly different from the pressure at Manchester United.
Amidst the pressure, Antonio Conte's name has emerged as a strong candidate. The Italian coach is reportedly awaiting a call from Old Trafford. Conte is no stranger to England; he previously led Chelsea to Premier League and FA Cup titles. His tough and confrontational leadership style is often compared to Mourinho's. Former Italy national team defender, Gianluca Zambrotta, once stated that Conte, Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola share similar personalities and are on an equal level.
However, bringing in Conte is not without risks. He is known for radically changing team structures and occasionally clashing with management. At Tottenham Hotspur, he left the club amidst controversy. Nevertheless, his track record as a winner in several top European leagues makes him an attractive option. Trophy-hungry United might need a firm figure like Conte to restore the long-lost winning culture.
Other alternatives in the coaching market are also available, such as Julian Nagelsmann and Didier Deschamps. Luis Enrique was actually a favorite, but after his success with Paris Saint-Germain, he is unlikely to want to move. This situation makes Conte the most realistic option if INEOS desires immediate change.
For Manchester United fans in Indonesia, this decision will be highly anticipated. The club, with its large fanbase in the country, is always under the spotlight, and every managerial change affects merchandise market dynamics and broadcast schedules. If Conte arrives, expectations will soar, but they will also be accompanied by demands for instant results. Conversely, retaining Carrick means allowing space for a long-term project, which carries risks if results do not improve soon.
In the coming weeks, the pressure on INEOS will intensify. Will they stick with Carrick and hope for a miracle, or take a bold step by bringing in Conte? This decision will not only determine the direction of this season but also the club's long-term future.
