Antonio Conte Denies Manchester United Takeover Talks, Addresses Managerial Speculation

Former Chelsea and Napoli coach Antonio Conte has firmly dismissed reports linking him to Manchester United, stating that he is not engaged in advanced negotiations for the managerial position. Conte also refuted claims that he had demanded full control and made financial stipulations, labeling such speculation as "unfounded".

Conte, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in England, was responding to widespread rumors suggesting he had requested complete authority at the struggling Old Trafford club, alongside significant financial demands. Manchester United currently occupies 13th place in the Premier League and 20th in the Champions League standings, facing increased pressure on manager Michael Carrick following a recent 4-1 defeat against Italian side Como.

"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage," Conte stated in a release. "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," he added, referencing his Serie A title win with Napoli in the 2024-25 season. "It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right."

He continued, "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."

Conte emphasized that any interest in a concrete opportunity with Manchester United would involve joint consideration of terms. "Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact," the 57-year-old Italian remarked.

In a previous interview with The Athletic, Conte expressed a desire to manage a club that has "lost sight of their history" to help "make it shine once more".

The defeat against Como extended United’s winless streak to seven games across all competitions. Captain Bruno Fernandes acknowledged the team's "mood of defeat" and questioned tactics, while Carrick apologized for the performance.

Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler, another name linked with the United job, also distanced himself from the speculation. "I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days and, beside that, I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and what he has done with Manchester United the last season," Hurzeler told reporters. "He’s a great human being, a great personality. There’s nothing more to say about that."

Brighton's strong start to the Premier League season has led to Hurzeler being considered a potential successor should United make a managerial change. The Seagulls are third in the league, behind Manchester City and Arsenal, heading into their match against Liverpool. "I am really focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days," the 33-year-old German stated.

Hurzeler believes his team can still improve despite their successful campaign, including a previous 3-2 victory over Manchester United in the League Cup. "There is still improvements we can do, still a lot of potential to get out of the players, and therefore I really want to work on that together with my players, together with my staff," he concluded.