Manchester United Deny Antonio Conte Contact as INEOS Confirm Michael Carrick Will Stay

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Manchester United have flatly denied making any contact with Antonio Conte, with the club stating that "nobody at United has had contact with Conte or any other potential managerial candidate," according to Football365. The denial follows widespread Italian media reports last month claiming Conte had been lined up as a replacement for Michael Carrick, with Conte himself reportedly waiting for the "right project" since leaving Napoli.

INEOS have confirmed there is "no appetite for a knee-jerk managerial change," with United's hierarchy said to be conscious that much of the turmoil around the club lies outside Carrick's direct control. The decision comes despite a difficult start that has brought just five points from five Premier League matches and 12th place in the table, including a derby defeat to Manchester City, a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton, and a 1-1 draw with Fulham rescued only by a late Matheus Cunha goal.

Chelsea remain in the market for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after a £64m bid was rejected during the summer window, with Bournemouth now valuing the 23-year-old at around £100m, according to Yahoo Sports. Chelsea are reportedly prepared to wait until the next transfer window to pursue a deal, with Arsenal and Liverpool also credited with interest; Scott's contract runs to 2028 after he turned down several extension offers from the Cherries.

Chelsea great Willian has backed club forward Estevao to develop into "one of the best players" in the Premier League, despite the Brazilian having featured for only 23 minutes in the league so far this season.

Transfer and squad notes

Bournemouth are said to be resisting interest from several Premier League clubs in Scott, working instead on a possible contract extension to keep him beyond 2028.

What it means for the league

United's public denial over Conte, paired with INEOS backing Carrick for now, suggests the club wants to lower the temperature around the manager's position rather than fuel further speculation, even as results remain a concern heading into the run of fixtures once the Premier League resumes. Chelsea's patience over Scott, choosing to wait rather than meet Bournemouth's valuation now, points to a club content to build toward a bigger push next summer rather than force a January deal.