Antonio Conte reportedly open to Manchester United job during 2026–27 season

Antonio Conte is reportedly willing to take over as Manchester United manager at Old Trafford if the position becomes available during the 2026–2027 season, according to reports published on 2026-10-14. The Italian coach has been out of work since leaving Napoli and is said to be targeting a role at a major European club rather than moves to other markets.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Conte left Napoli in the summer and is prepared to return to management, adding that the coach is searching for a project that fits his ambitious temperament. Conte’s résumé includes spells at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, and he has prior top-flight experience in England, including a Premier League title with Chelsea.

Romano is quoted directly on Conte’s current stance: “Conte left Napoli in the summer, and he is ready to return. He has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, because he wanted to join a big club in one of the major leagues,” Romano added. The report says the Italian would not exclude a mid-season appointment if the circumstances were right.

Manchester United are identified in the reports as a target for Conte because of his desire to coach at the highest level of European football and the club’s historical stature coupled with a recent lack of trophies. The suggestion that Conte’s interest is influencing the management picture at Old Trafford is included in the coverage.

The reporting also highlights Manchester United’s current difficulties: Michael Carrick is described as being at the centre of criticism following a run of subpar performances, the club sits 13th in the league, and a recent defeat to Atletico Madrid aggravated discontent among supporters and directors. While the story notes United are not yet at an "emergency level," it states that the results are poor relative to the investment in the squad.

Conte is currently unattached after departing Napoli, and the reports say he has turned down offers from other countries in favour of waiting for a role at a major club. According to the coverage, he remains available and would consider the Manchester United position if it becomes open during the 2026–2027 season.