Antonio Conte Identifies Nine Players To Build Team Around At Manchester United

If Antonio Conte does decide to take over at Manchester United then he will favour nine players to build his team around, according to reports, with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in danger of losing their first-team spot.

The former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan manager is being heavily linked with the United job as speculation surrounding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's uncertain future continues to linger after last weekend's 5-0 defeat against Liverpool.

Solskjaer has reportedly been given three games to save his job after the loss, with Saturday's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium being the first before a tricky Champions League match against Atalanta and a Manchester derby on November 6th.

Conte, meanwhile, is looking for a new role after he left Milan by mutual consent, with reports suggesting the experienced Italian would be open to talks about taking over at Old Trafford if the Norwegian is relieved of his duties.

One thing is for certain; the 52-year-old has tons of experience dealing with big names in a dressing room.

He helped Romelu Lukaku flourish at the San Siro last season as Inter secured a historic Serie A title and, judging by Ashley Young's comments to Gabriel Agbonlahor this week, he demands the absolute most every player in training sessions.

So who would he build his team around at Old Trafford if he was to takeover?

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte has identified Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Telles, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood as key members of the side.

If the above report is indeed accurate, then defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka may be fighting for their first-team spot, as will Fred and Scott McTominay, who have come under criticism for their performances in midfield.

Image credit: PA

Thoughts on Solskjaer's future at Old Trafford? Do you think Antonio Conte would be the right man to take United forward?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Antonio Conte

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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