‎Man Utd line up former Chelsea manager to replace Michael Carrick

‎Manchester United have reportedly made initial contact with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte as they prepare for life after Michael Carrick.

‎Despite helping United secure Champions League football last season as interim manager, Carrick’s tenure as the Red Devils’ permanent manager has started in an unimpressive fashion.

‎Domestic defeats against Hull City, Manchester City and Brighton have left the club struggling to find their rhythm.

‎United are now exploring managerial alternatives.

‎According to Calciomercato, former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte has been identified as United’s number one target. The report states that the 57-year-old is currently in pole position to take the reins if Carrick is sacked in the coming months.

‎United chiefs have reportedly already made initial contact to assess Conte’s availability.

Antonio Conte during his time as Napoli head coach. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

‎The experienced Italian is currently out of work after departing Napoli at the end of last season.

‎Conte was initially tipped to return to the Italy national team, but the appointment of Roberto Mancini means he now has to find a new job.

‎Carrick will have to turn things around after the international break, as he could be forced to leave the job he desires.

‎United will host bottom-of-the-table Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford after the international break.

‎That Premier League clash promises to be a tense affair, with Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi also under mounting pressure. A failure to secure three points against a struggling Tottenham side could prove fatal for Carrick.