Antonio Conte has fuelled speculation linking him with the Manchester United job after revealing his desire to revive a major club that has “lost sight of their history”.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli boss is currently available after leaving Napoli at the end of last season.
Conte has been linked with replacing Michael Carrick, who is under growing pressure following Manchester United’s disappointing start to the campaign.
Conte wants to restore a fallen giant
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Conte explained that his next project must offer the opportunity to compete for major honours rather than simply participate.
“There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history,” the Italian said.
“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 you know full well that you’re not going there just to take part, but to compete.”
Conte also said he would consider accepting a position during the season if the opportunity was “worth it”.
While he did not mention United by name, his description has inevitably strengthened suggestions that he could be interested in taking charge at Old Trafford.
United have won a record 20 English league titles but have not lifted the Premier League trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Conte demands ambition and a clear vision
Conte also stressed that any club appointing him would need to share his ambition and allow the manager to play a central role in shaping its direction.
He believes coaches must provide both the footballing philosophy and overall vision, with club executives and players fully committed to the same plan.
Conte said wealthy English clubs enjoy a major financial advantage over their European rivals, joking that Premier League sides are using “bazookas” while clubs elsewhere still have “pistols”.
However, he warned that simply spending huge sums does not guarantee success.
“You may well have the money, but you have to spend it wisely,” Conte said.
That message could resonate at Manchester United, who have invested heavily in their squad since Ferguson’s departure but repeatedly struggled to build a team capable of challenging consistently for the title.
Pressure grows on Michael Carrick
Carrick remains Manchester United’s head coach, but results before the international break increased scrutiny over his position.
United have collected only five points from their opening five Premier League matches, winning once and sitting 12th in the table.
They were also eliminated from the League Cup by Brighton after surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s side subsequently lost the Manchester derby before drawing 1-1 with Fulham, where a late deflected goal from Matheus Cunha rescued a point.
Italian reports have claimed Conte is among United’s preferred candidates should the club decide to make a managerial change. Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler have also been linked.
However, there is no confirmation that United have formally approached Conte or decided to dismiss Carrick.
Conte’s comments will nevertheless increase speculation surrounding the job. The 57-year-old has won domestic league titles with Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Napoli and has extensive experience of managing clubs where immediate success is demanded.
