INEOS have Italian serial winner at top of wishlist if they sack Michael Carrick

One win in four league games is surely not the start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign that Manchester United fans had hoped for.

The 20-time English champions enjoyed a run of 12 wins, three draws, and two losses in the second half of the 2025-26 Premier League season under Michael Carrick , so expectations were naturally high heading into the new campaign.

This season, however, has proven to be a frustrating ride so far.

Carrick has been handed a stronger squad than the one he inherited last term, yet he has struggled to get his side firing on all cylinders.

Doubts are consequently creeping in over his tactics and in-game decisions.

While reports suggest Old Trafford's decision-makers still believe in Carrick's project, he risks finding himself in a far trickier position if results do not improve soon.

Indeed, sources in Italy are already suggesting the Red Devils could shake up their technical bench, with a clear favourite already lined up to replace Carrick.

Corriere della Sera, via Sport Witness , report:

"Manchester United aren't entirely sure about Carrick. They are beginning to evaluate his future at the club and another managerial change could be considered soon."

Crucially, they go on to drop a bombshell, revealing that "as things stand, Conte is at the top of the Red Devils' shortlist."

Given United's desire to return to the top and restore glory to M16, the links to Conte are easy to understand.

He is a serial winner, renowned for his intense discipline, tactical brilliance, and a proven track record of transforming struggling teams into champions.

The Italian could prove to be the perfect appointment if INEOS crave instant glory, though that approach can prove unsustainable over time.

A longer-term project, as Mikel Arteta has shown at Arsenal , tends to be more sustainable, so Carrick will need to turn things around quickly enough that no shortcuts become necessary.