Manchester United could face competition from Juventus in their pursuit of Antonio Conte as questions grow over Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford. Reports suggest the English club may need to act quickly if they want to appoint the Italian manager, who is also being liked with a potential return to Turin. The uncertainty surrounding both clubs has added fresh intrigue to the possibility of Conte taking charge of another major European side.

Carrick initially made a positive impression after taking over Manchester United in January, guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Champions League. However, the club have struggled during the current campaign, recording their worst league start since 1986 with just seven points from their opening seven matches. A 1-1 draw against Leeds United has intensified scrutiny of Carrick, who remains hopeful of turning the situation around despite mounting pressure.

Manchester United are reportedly considering Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler as a potential replacement if they decide to part ways with Carrick. Conte is another name under consideration, having reportedly remained open to the possibility of managing the Premier League giants after leaving Napoli in the summer. His experience of rebuilding teams and competing for major honours makes him an appealing option as United look for a way to restore their former standing in English football.

Juventus could complicate United’s plans as speculation grows over the future of their current manager, Luciano Spalletti. The Italian side suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Lazio and reportedly found themselves eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan after seven matches. Conte has strong connections with Juventus, having represented the club in 419 appearances as a player between 1991 and 2004 before leading them to three consecutive Serie A titles from 2011 to 2014. These achievements have fuelled speculation about a possible second spell in charge.

Conte has previously expressed interest in taking on the challenge of leading a historic club seeking to regain its former glory. Meanwhile, Manchester United face an important period in their schedule, with a Champions League trip to Como on October 21, 2026, followed by a Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. Positive results could help Carrick ease the pressure on his position, but continued struggles may increase the likelihood of a managerial change. For now, neither Manchester United nor Juventus have confirmed plans to appoint Conte, leaving his next move uncertain.