Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United at the start of 2026, inheriting a side struggling for form after Rúben Amorim left following his reaction to a draw against Leeds. Darren Fletcher briefly stepped in as interim manager, but his spell began with a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, ending United's hopes in both domestic cup competitions.

Carrick quickly transformed the atmosphere around the club, securing back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal after taking charge ahead of the January 17 derby. His decision to restore the 4-2-3-1 formation and give Kobbie Mainoo a bigger role helped United build momentum, and the team collected more league points than any other Premier League side in the second half of the season.

United ultimately finished third and qualified for the Champions League. Initially appointed until the end of the campaign, Carrick earned a permanent position through his results and signed a two-year contract on May 22.

However, his second full season has started poorly. United sit 13th in the league, with just one win, three draws, and two defeats from their opening six league games- their worst start in 40 years.

Despite all reports indicating that Michael Carrick will be given the chance to turn things around by INEOS, the club will surely be drawing up contingency plans should performances remain poor.

After a previous interview in which Antonio Conte said he wants to join a club that has "somewhat lost sight of their history", rumours of a potential move to Manchester United naturally emerged.

Now, as reported by Calciomercato, United are 'seriously considering sacking' Michael Carrick and replacing him with the former Juventus boss, who most recently managed Napoli, helping the Italian club win its fourth-ever Serie A title.

If that were to happen, Conte would be open to the move and 'would gladly accept a call' from Manchester United, with the outlet also stating that negotiations between the two parties could begin as soon as the start of this week.

Antonio Conte possesses a wealth of Premier League and Champions League experience, something Manchester United are reportedly prioritising if they hire a new head coach soon, which is why the club is reportedly looking at Eddie Howe.

Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni shared a bold update in his TuttoMercatoWeb column on the current situation surrounding Antonio Conte and Manchester United.

He stated, "Meanwhile, for the record and for all Juventus fans (there are many) still hoping for Antonio Conte’s return, the former Juventus manager is reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who have had a poor start to the Premier League season…"

There is a real possibility that, while Manchester United may have made initial contact with Conte, those close to the manager may be using Italian media to build hype around him, as seen before, when players were linked to clubs during transfer windows before signing contract extensions.

Carrick will be fully focused on turning things around at United, with his side facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on the 13th, followed by four more fixtures before the end of October, a crucial stretch for the Englishman.