Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has held discussions regarding taking over from Michael Carrick at Manchester United, placing clear demands before the club’s senior leadership.

Carrick’s tenure at Old Trafford has come under intense pressure following a heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat away to Como on Wednesday.

The loss leaves Manchester United with just two victories from their opening 11 matches across all competitions this season. Although Carrick is expected to remain in the dugout for Sunday’s Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth, another convincing defeat could bring an end to the 45-year-old manager’s tenure.

Reports from La Repubblica indicate that Conte is open to returning to the Premier League.

However, the Italian strategist made his requirements clear during talks with United executives, demanding full control over recruitment to overhaul squad depth during the January and summer transfer windows, as well as total authority to bring in his own backroom staff.