Overview
- On Thursday, Oct 8, multiple outlets reported that Manchester United remain publicly committed to Michael Carrick while drawing up contingency shortlists that include Antonio Conte.
- Antonio Conte has publicly said he wants to return to revive a club’s history and has been out of management since leaving Napoli, which sources say makes him an obvious candidate if United decide to move.
- Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is also being tracked by the club as a cost‑effective, Premier League‑proven alternative on the contingency list.
- The board’s caution reflects Carrick’s goodwill after guiding United back to the Champions League last season and the clear financial and logistical costs of a midseason change, including exit payouts and compensation demands for targets.
- What to watch next is Carrick’s immediate run of league results and whether United open formal approaches to listed candidates, a move that would signal an imminent managerial change and bring disruption at Old Trafford.