Conte Closes In on Manchester United Coaching Job, Carrick on the Brink

Manchester United are reportedly moving closer to reaching an agreement with Antonio Conte as their new coach, following a string of poor results that have left Michael Carrick on the brink of dismissal. According to a report by Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni cited by Sport Witness, the former Chelsea and Tottenham coach is exploring a deal with the Red Devils. "Meanwhile, for the record and for all Juventus fans who still hope for the return of Antonio Conte, the former Juventus coach is reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who started the Premier League season badly," Bucchioni wrote.

The news emerged after Calciomercato.it reported that United were seriously considering sacking Carrick and could potentially open negotiations with Conte early this week. Conte is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of managing at Old Trafford, especially as he has been out of work since leaving Napoli at the end of last season. United are also said to have made initial contact with Conte's representatives last month, though there has been no official confirmation of any agreement.

United's poor start—described as their worst since 1986—is the main trigger for this speculation. From six opening matches, Carrick's side have managed only one win, placing them 13th in the standings and already four points behind the Champions League places. The defeat in the EFL Cup and a run of four matches without a win across all competitions have worsened the situation. Even in the match against Tottenham last weekend, United, who briefly had a numerical advantage after Rodrigo Bentancur's red card, had to settle for a share of the points due to weak defending, especially from Lisandro Martinez.

Nevertheless, Carrick still sees improvement in his team's performance. "You can see it's difficult and challenging, one of those days where the performance wasn't pretty. We came through it well," he said. He also praised debutant Carlos Baleba, who was judged to have made a positive impact. "I think you can get that (impact) from a new player, something fresh. He did well, it's good to have him on the pitch. I think he helped," Carrick added.

However, Carrick's positive assessment has not dampened speculation about his future. Conte, who will turn 57, is known as a coach with a winning mentality. Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who worked with Conte at Napoli, offered high praise. "He is very strong mentally. I was fascinated by his mentality: he is passionate, fierce. And he is a winner. Actually, a serial winner. And if he doesn't win, we immediately understand that we haven't won," Hojlund said last season.

Conte's arrival at Old Trafford would bring an impressive track record. He won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before leading Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in England with 30 wins from 38 matches, and added the FA Cup and Italian league titles with Inter Milan and Napoli. His demanding approach has been acknowledged by many players, including Hojlund, who said he developed rapidly under his guidance.

For Carrick, the next two matches will be decisive. United will travel to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, before facing a difficult away match against Leeds United. The pressure to get positive results is immense in order to quell the growing speculation. If results do not improve, it is not impossible that United's management will quickly activate plan B with Conte. Will Carrick be able to turn things around, or will Conte soon fill the hot seat at Old Trafford?