Italian manager Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on taking the Manchester United job if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sacked by the club.
The Red Devils were humbled 5-0 at Old Trafford by arch-rivals Liverpool over the weekend, which has left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the brink. It has been reported that several players have questioned the Norwegian tactician’s ability to take the club any forward after Sunday’s embarrassment at the hands of Liverpool.
According to the Guardian, the recent results has left the Manchester United board with no option but to seriously consider Solskjaer’s future, with Antonio Conte open to discussing the project at the club before committing.
The report adds the Italian, 52, is not ready to take up a job amidst the season but would make an exception for the Red Devils because he thinks the club is a special opportunity to let go.
Conte resigned as Inter Milan’s coach in May, three and a half weeks after guiding the club to the Serie A title in 11 years.
There’s no doubt on Antonio Conte decision since days. He wants Manchester United job and he’d be ready to accept. But there’s still no official proposal on the table, as things stand tonight. 🔴 #MUFC
Manchester United are still thiking whether sacking or not Solskjær.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2021
The 48-year-old tactician took over at Inter in 2019 and helped them finish second on the table behind winners Juventus, whilst reaching the Europa League final in his first season. He ended Juventus’ dominance in Italy last term by winning the Scudetto by 12 points.
Antonio Conte to Manchester United—Is he the right man to succeed Solskjaer?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially appointed as interim manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho in December 2018, has now lost five of his last nine games with 19 goals conceded in the process.
The Red Devils have dropped down to seventh in the table after back-to-back losses against Leicester City and Liverpool, with Solskjaer and his coaching staff proving their tactical inability to solve the team’s defensive problems yet.
It appears as if Solskjaer is heading towards the exit door and while he is apparently set to get three games to turn around the club’s fortunes starting from Saturday’s away trip to Tottenham, there’s an air of resignation around Old Trafford about him. Having said that, is Antonio Conte the right man to succeed the Norwegian at Manchester United?
An outspoken, charismatic and passionate man, Conte has an excellent CV that includes winning domestic titles with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan. He won the Premier League title in his debut season with Chelsea and bagged the FA Cup the following term, although he fell out with the west London club hierarchy and was eventually sacked.
A smart manager noted for his dynamic and pragmatic approach to the game, the Italian excels with his tactical flexibility and man-management skills. He has the aura and experience to manage the egos and the personalities on and off the pitch that come with the Manchester United job.
The former Italy boss demands a lot from his players and his 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation would be unique for the Red Devils, who are traditionally a back four side.
On paper, Conte is not the right man for the Manchester United job but considering the richly assembled squad at Old Trafford that has the ingredients to win the first trophy since May 2017, it won’t be a big surprise if he succeeds Solskjaer.