Conte plays down 'unfounded' Man Utd speculation

What the report says

Antonio Conte has sought to calm speculation linking him with Manchester United, saying on Instagram that he is not in advanced negotiations with any club. His comments came after an Italian newspaper report claimed he had spoken with United’s leadership about replacing Michael Carrick following a heavy defeat earlier this week. The report also alleged Conte wanted control over transfer decisions and to bring in his own staff, but the former Chelsea manager said those claims were unfounded.

BBC Sport reports that Conte is interested in the United role, but the club have not publicly confirmed any approach. The situation has arisen as Carrick’s position at Old Trafford has come under scrutiny after the loss to Como in the Champions League. He is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, while United are understood to have begun looking at possible successors.

Conte, who is currently a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, is among several names linked with the job. BBC Sport also names Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as other candidates under consideration. If United do make a managerial change, it would follow a period of uncertainty at the club and a search for a long-term replacement.