Conte demands three January signings if he takes over Man Utd

Manchester United’s hierarchy has been informed by intermediaries that Antonio Conte is prepared to replace Michael Carrick as manager with immediate effect, provided the club commits to signing three new players during the January transfer window. This development follows persistent reports from Italian media suggesting the Red Devils are keen on hiring the former Chelsea boss.

Conte's openness to mid-season role

Currently without a managerial position after parting ways with Napoli at the end of last season, Conte has signaled a shift in his usual career strategy. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on his YouTube channel on October 14 that while there are no concrete or serious negotiations between Conte and Manchester United yet, the Italian tactician is willing to accept a job mid-season.

Romano explained that unlike previous instances where Conte insisted on waiting for the start of a new campaign to build his own squad through pre-season, this year he is open to opportunities involving historical clubs in Europe. The reporter noted that Conte explicitly ruled out moving to the Middle East solely for financial gain before returning to Europe later. Instead, his priority remains continuing his career in Europe with a club possessing significant history.

“If there is a club with a big history who want to go back to their level, I would be open,” Conte said in an interview days prior, according to Romano. The journalist added that Conte’s readiness applies whether the opportunity arises at Manchester United, within Italy, or elsewhere, contingent on the club’s stature.

Pressure mounts on current management

The potential change comes amid growing pressure on incumbent manager Michael Carrick. The Englishman currently leads a team that has accumulated only six points from their first six Premier League matches this season. Additionally, the club was eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion.

In European competition, results have been mixed. While Carrick’s side secured a victory against Sabah in the Champions League, they suffered a defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening. Despite these struggles, the club’s co-owners, INEOS, had previously retained faith in Carrick when Conte expressed interest in the summer of 2026.

Intermediaries renew contact with Old Trafford

TEAMtalk reported that despite missing out on the role earlier, Conte has maintained his desire to return to English football and manage another major Premier League club. The outlet confirmed that representatives working with Conte renewed contact with United’s leadership to reiterate his interest and clarify his availability to take charge at Old Trafford immediately.

An X account operated by five elite reporters, boasting over 758,000 followers, further detailed the conditions attached to Conte’s willingness. According to this source, the Italian manager insists that any appointment must be accompanied by the signing of three new players in the upcoming January transfer window.