Conte hits out after Manchester United links: ‘No negotiations at an advanced stage’

PISA, ITALY - MAY 17: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and SSC Napoli at Arena Garibaldi on May 17, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte has made it clear that he is not currently in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Manchester United, despite reports earlier this week claiming that he had made several demands to the Premier League club as they eye a potential replacement for Michael Carrick. 

Conte denies talks with Manchester United: ‘These reports are unfounded’

Reports in Italy and the UK have linked Conte with a potential move to Manchester United for several weeks. The 57-year-old, who has won the Serie A title with three different clubs as well as the Premier League with Chelsea, has been available after leaving Napoli at the end of the 2025-26 season. 

Following Manchester United’s 4-1 hammering by Como in the Champions League earlier this week, rumours regarding Carrick’s future as head coach have intensified and Conte’s name has cropped back up in connection with the United job should it become available in the near future. 

Reports from La Repubblica on Friday claimed that Conte has already made several ‘demands’ to Manchester Untied, including having a ‘carte blanche’ on the transfer market. 

Conte has since taken to social media to strongly deny these suggestions. 

“Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position,” Conte wrote in a story on his Instagram profile. 

“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact.”