Antonio Conte denies being in advanced talks to become Manchester United manager
Antonio Conte said on October 23, 2026 on Instagram that reports linking him to Manchester United and claiming he is in "advanced negotiations" are unfounded and speculative. The former Tottenham and Chelsea coach said there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage and that he will take time before deciding his next managerial step.
Conte, who has been without a club since leaving Napoli in May, reiterated that any future appointment will be "a carefully considered decision" and that the chosen club must be "correct" for him. He has been linked with Manchester United amid pressure on Michael Carrick and has also been mentioned as a possible returnee to Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014, following a difficult start to the season for Luciano Spalletti. Conte addressed reports of "reservations" among some at Old Trafford about his "strong personality", demanding style and desire for "full control".
In a statement posted on Instagram, Conte opened by saying: "Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position. My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage." He used that passage to reject the notion that talks are ongoing with any club mentioned in the media.
He added that his return to management will follow reflection on timing and conditions, writing: "Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right." Those sentences set out his stated timetable and criteria for any next appointment.
Conte addressed specific reports about contractual demands and perceived personality issues, saying: "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, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments." He framed those items as media speculation rather than settled facts.
On the process for any move, Conte continued: "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 concluded the statement by warning that, until such talks occur, assumptions about his demands and future are not factual.
Conte has denied any talks with Manchester United and dismissed claims he has pre-existing demands if he were to join; he remains without a club and says he will only enter negotiations should a concrete opportunity present itself.
