Antonio Conte suggestion for Manchester United after Carrick

Amid Michael Carrick's poor run of results, there is talk that Manchester United will look for their ninth head coach since the Alex Ferguson era. According to the writer, the club must continue with the right name this time. Attention is turning to Antonio Conte.

Conte's name had been linked with Old Trafford before. He was considered as a candidate after Jose Mourinho was dismissed, but United continued with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an interim period. In autumn 2021, when Solskjaer was under pressure, Italian media reported that Conte was interested in the job, but no approach came from the club. United are reportedly wary of Conte's strict temperament and the concern that he could be a short-term solution.

The writer accepts that it is unlikely Conte would build a dynasty lasting many years. Conte has not stayed at any club for more than two seasons since leaving Juventus in 2014. It is also noted that some players in the squad may not adapt well to his methods. On the other hand, his career points to a record of significant success. Conte, who has won six league titles with four different teams, has failed to win a trophy only at Tottenham Hotspur among his last five club jobs. Taking Spurs into the Champions League in 2021/22, in place of Arsenal, is also cited as a standout result from that period.

Conte's ability to rebuild teams is also highlighted. He led Juventus to their first Serie A title in 2012 after Calciopoli, and took Chelsea and Napoli to the title in his first season in charge. At Inter, he ended an 11-year wait for the championship in 2021. The writer recalls that United's recent head coach choices have also ended after one or two seasons, and argues that even a short spell with Conte could give the club a better chance of success.