Man Utd Manager Target Responds to Links of Premier League Return

Antonio Conte would not currently appear to be pining for a return to management, particularly not the meat grinder that is modern Manchester United. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has been one of the names linked with a potential appointment at United, who have endured an underwhelming start to the new season.

Thepressure is not yet insufferable for Michael Carrick, but a failure to rediscover the sort of form which inspired his permanent appointment over the summer may cause the itchy trigger fingers in United's boardroom to twitch. The prospect of a manager as illustrious as Conte bouncing around free agency will only ramp up the speculation.

However, the Premier League winner has played down his ambitions of a swift return to the dugout. Conte had to virtually dial into an Italian festival celebrating his legendary former Juventus side over the weekend.

"I would've liked to be there with you, but at this moment I am not in Italy," he grinned. "I'm still enjoying my vacation, seeing as this year I have the opportunity to rest and relax.

There would be no time for any R&R in the goldfish bowl of Old Trafford, although Conte's intensity is part of his appeal. The manager whose words assault you," according to his former player Andrea Pirlo, has a rampant league record, winning five Serie A titles with three clubs (Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli) while also lifting the Premier League during his first season at Chelsea.

Even his record at Tottenham Hotspur, who qualified for the Champions League under his watch and were fifth when he left the following year, looks impressive in light of the turmoil which has followed. The appeal of Conte for most Manchester United fans is obvious, but one of the Old Trafford regulars with the loudest voice has poured cold water on this idea in the past.

Conte's Stylistic Clash With Man Utd Antonio Conte won the Premier League in his first stint in England. Gary Neville was one of the few public figures who railed against the idea.

"He's a great manager but I think certain managers fit certain clubs and I don't think Conte fits United personally," the former United right back argued. "As I say, great manager but doesn't feel right for me that one.

He's not a fit for United." Neville's argument was that United would be best advised avoiding a "hitman" type.