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The heat is intensifying on Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, as speculation continues to mount linking the Red Devils with several potential replacements.
Antonio Conte, a title winner with four separate clubs and most recently at Napoli, has emerged as a surprise candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat as United seek a more seasoned tactician. He claimed the Premier League crown with Chelsea in 2016–17 before his dramatic falling out with the hierarchy at Tottenham Hotspur, making it rather difficult to predict exactly what United would be getting from the Italian.
We can, however, make a fairly educated guess.
Here's how United might set up should they ultimately turn to Conte.
Antonio Conte's Potential Man Utd XI
GK: Senne Lammens—Conte typically favors experience at the back but would value Lammens's straightforward, reliable style. United have no intention of making changes between the posts right now, nor should they.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt—There were indications that Conte had his eye on De Ligt during his spell as Tottenham manager. While the last couple of seasons haven't done much for the Dutchman's standing, Conte may still hold enough interest to hand him a fresh opportunity.
CB: Harry Maguire—Few players thrived under Ruben Amorim's three-man defensive setup quite like Maguire, who looked entirely at ease at the center of that back line. Conte would likely rely on the Englishman to reintroduce a tactical framework that has had a rather troubled recent history at Old Trafford.
CB: Alessandro Bastoni—A new center-back is firmly on United's radar, and a replacement for the unsettled Lisandro Martínez appears inevitable. United would be setting their sights extremely high with Inter's Bastoni, but the Italian has spoken glowingly of Conte in the past and has credited the manager with essentially transforming him into a world-class player.
RM: Michael Kayode—Conte has a well-known fondness for dynamic wingbacks and would expect a significant overhaul in that area. The Premier League-tested Kayode, 22, fits precisely the profile he covets, with reports indicating Conte had targeted him during his time at Napoli.
CM: Carlos Baleba—United's midfielders would face scrutiny ahead of a return to a two-man central unit. We haven't seen a great deal of Baleba in that configuration, but his well-rounded approach to the game suggests he could adapt effectively.
CM: Scott McTominay—It feels almost inevitable, doesn't it? Conte transformed McTominay into a standout performer in Naples. With just 18 months remaining on his contract, his transfer value will continue to fall to a level where a return to Old Trafford could become impossible to resist.
LM: Lewis Hall—Missing out on Hall this summer could prove to be a pivotal moment for United, who now face the prospect of paying a premium to secure the 22-year-old. Conte would admire his dynamism and attacking contributions, and would likely push hard to persuade United to finally commit fully.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—We move into the attacking third still without a place for Bruno Fernandes. That spot is unlikely to open up on the right flank, where Mbeumo has established himself as one of United's most reliable performers over the past year and a half.
ST: Victor Osimhen—Conte would demand a clinical, proven goalscorer and is unlikely to be enthused by Benjamin Šeško or Joshua Zirkzee. Osimhen has openly expressed his wish to work under Conte, who was keen for the Nigerian to stay at Napoli in 2025. The stars could align in Manchester.
LW: Matheus Cunha—Could this be where Fernandes fits in? The Portugal international is not particularly known for his effectiveness out wide and could find himself eased out under Conte, who would likely continue to back Cunha on the left flank.
