EPL: Conte denies advanced talks with Man United

Antonio Conte has denied being in advanced negotiations with any club following reports linking him with the managerial position at Manchester United.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager was reportedly in talks with United’s board over replacing Michael Carrick after the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Friday, Conte had demanded full control of United’s transfer policy and the freedom to appoint his own backroom staff if he were to take charge at Old Trafford.

However, the Italian tactician has dismissed the reports, insisting that no negotiations have reached an advanced stage.

“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,” Conte wrote on Instagram.

He also rejected claims that he had already made financial demands or insisted on having complete control over a club’s operations.

“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’. These reports are unfounded,” he added.

Conte explained that discussions would only take place if a concrete opportunity emerged, stressing the importance of reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties.

“Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties’ needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager,” he said.

Meanwhile, Carrick’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, with the club reportedly beginning the process of identifying potential replacements.

Sources have indicated that United are considering several candidates, including Conte, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Conte, who is currently without a club after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, has an impressive managerial record. He guided Napoli to the Serie A title in his first season before winning the Supercoppa Italiana during his final campaign.

The 57-year-old also led Chelsea to the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season and won the FA Cup the following year. He later returned to English football in 2021 to manage Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the north London club in March 2023.

Elsewhere, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the Manchester United job.

The German, whose contract with Brighton runs until 2029, said his attention remains firmly on his current responsibilities.

“I am really focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days,” Hurzeler said.

He also expressed respect for Carrick, describing the United manager as a good person and maintaining that they share a positive relationship.

“I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick. He is a great human being, he is a great personality. Every time we meet each other, we have a really good relationship,” he added.

Despite the growing speculation surrounding the managerial position, Conte’s statement makes clear that reports of advanced negotiations should be treated with caution as Manchester United continue to assess their options.