Michael Carrick dealt major blow as Man Utd could ‘open negotiations’ with world-class manager this week

A world-class manager is reportedly open to accepting the Manchester United head coach’s role should Michael Carrick be sacked.

Carrick’s side could not hold out for three points against Spurs on Saturday (October 10), as Roberto De Zerbi’s side nicked a point thanks to Dominic Solanke’s late strike. United had played the last quarter of the clash with ten men after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for head-butting Luke Shaw.

The result was the latest in a string of disappointing showings at the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with United currently 12th on six points from six games. Their sole win came against Ipswich Town in August.

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Who could replace Michael Carrick as Man Utd head coach?

Carrick is under growing pressure and, according to Oddschecker, is the second favourite behind Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa to be sacked next.

Several names have been tipped to replace Carrick at Old Trafford should he be sacked, including former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea, Spurs, Juventus and Napoli manager Antonio Conte.

Conte, who guided Chelsea to the 2016/17 Premier League title, is currently out of work after leaving Napoli following the 2025/26 campaign.

As reported by Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Conte is open to accepting the United role, with negotiations reportedly beginning as early as this week.

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Antonio Conte teases return to Premier League management

Speaking to The Athletic earlier this month, the Italian said he would consider taking another job in England “if it’s worth it” before commenting on the financial power of Premier League clubs compared to the rest of Europe.

“In England today they’re using bazookas, while everywhere else they’re still using a pistol,” Conte said. “But we also need to be careful about how the money is spent. That’s why we were talking earlier about making the right assessments, about having a vision, because you may well have the money, but you have to spend it wisely.”

Conte also guided Chelsea to the 2016/17 FA Cup before helping Inter win the 2020/21 Serie A title. He also led Napoli to Serie A glory in 2024/25. In total, Conte has won six league titles across stints at Inter, Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea.

The 57-year-old then discussed how “many clubs” have “somehow lost sight of their history” before adding: “I’d like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more.

“Clubs where there’s pressure, where, ultimately, you know full well that you’re not going there just to take part, but to compete.”

Could the club he is referring to be Manchester United? We may find out.

For now, Carrick and United will be fully focused on tomorrow’s (October 13) trip to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League league phase.

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Next permanent Man Utd manager odds

Eddie Howe – 15/8

Julian Nagelsmann – 11/2

Antonio Conte – 5/1

Kieran McKenna – 10/1

Thomas Tuchel – 14/1

Gareth Southgate – 14/1

Darren Fletcher – 20/1

Carlo Ancelotti – 20/1

Mauricio Pochettino – 25/1 (According to Oddschecker as of 14:30 on October 12.)