Manchester United have won just one in their first four Premier League games and question marks are growing around Michael Carrick.
The failure to beat 10-men Manchester City came as a frustrating reminder that the club still has work to do. It was a tired performance and saw the manager not make the right changes at appropriate times.
Earlier in the campaign, there have been doubts about his selection in specific positions on the pitch. When his setup works, it does very well. When it doesn’t, things look largely flat.
Now, talk around Carrick’s position is growing and Antonio Conte’s name is in the frame once again.
Italian top of the shortlist
Today’s print edition of Corriere della Sera states Manchester United aren’t entirely sure about Carrick. They are beginning to evaluate his future at the club and another managerial change could be considered soon.
As things stand, Conte is at the top of the Red Devils’ shortlist.
The Italian’s experience and habit of winning silverware is tempting Manchester United, with the ex-Napoli manager waiting for approaches too.
Conte has been without a job since the end of last season. He is believed to be looking at the right project to re-start, with suggestions around Juventus also growing.
Our take: Conte’s expression of interest
It is the Juventus scenario that adds significant context to Conte’s future. Old Lady CEO Giovanni Carnevali was asked about Luciano Spalletti’s future on Monday, hours after their loss to Sassuolo. While he denied any possibility of the sack, speculation around Conte hasn’t stopped.
That is exactly why the Manchester United suggestion is a way for Conte to express his availability. It sends a signal that if Juve want him, he would be open to taking the job once again.
This looks like the Italian media pushing Antonio Conte for big jobs again, something they love to do.
