Man Utd stance on Antonio Conte explained as Tottenham near blockbuster agreement

Tottenham 0-3 Manchester United: Solskjaer press conference

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Manchester United aren’t expected to hijack Tottenham’s move for Antonio Conte, Express Sport understands. The Italian is in talks with Spurs about replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, who was relieved of his duties today. And that means the Red Devils are primed to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the foreseeable future.

United have been linked with Conte in recent weeks.

It’s a job the Italian is very much open to taking but, while that’s the case, the Red Devils are yet to make an approach.

And, now, that’s given Tottenham a window to strike.

Spurs today announced the departure of Nuno after just four months in charge, saying in a statement: “The Club can today announce that Nuno Espírito Santo and his coaching staff Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have been relieved of their duties.”

Director Fabio Paratici then added: “I know how much Nuno and his coaching staff wanted to succeed and I regret that we have had to take this decision.

“Nuno is a true gentleman and will always be welcome here. We should like to thank him and his coaching staff and wish them well for the future.”

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But Express Sport understands United won’t be going after Conte at the current moment in time.

The club are adamant they’re behind Solskjaer and want the Norwegian to succeed, despite their erratic form this season.

Back in the summer, the Red Devils backed the Norwegian in the transfer window.

Jadon Sancho was brought in from Borussia Dortmund, with the England international finally moving to Old Trafford after four years of intense speculation.

Raphael Varane touched down from Real Madrid, a decade after Sir Alex Ferguson first tried to bring him to these shores.

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And, on deadline day, Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a Hollywood homecoming after 12 years away.

However, despite those reinforcements, United have struggled.

They’ve lost three of their first 10 Premier League matches, including humblings to Liverpool and Leicester.

And they’re already out of the Carabao Cup, having lost to West Ham at the end of September.

Despite that, however, United want to give Solskjaer time to turn their current crisis around.

And the players were back to their best on Saturday, with Tottenham thumped 3-0 in what was ultimately Nuno’s last game in charge.

They have their concerns over Conte, too.

Having been left scarred by Jose Mourinho’s time in charge, they’re wary of engaging with another combative manager.

And their loss looks set to be Tottenham’s gain, with Spurs now confident of bringing Conte to north London.

Speaking recently, Jamie Redknapp had urged United to replace Solskjaer with Conte amid their topsy-turvy form.

“Who do you get in? I think Antonio Conte would be a great fit because one or two of them need a kick up the backside,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“They need to know when they’re not doing well and that’s not the case right now. He’s going to sometimes upset players, make sure they’re on their toes… I’m not sure Ole has that personality.

“If you lose 5-0 at home, there isn’t a manager in the world who wouldn’t come under massive pressure.

“I can’t say I’ve ever been sold on Solskjaer as the United manager if I’m brutally honest. He’s done an OK job but we’re talking about Man Utd.

“You want the best person in charge of your club and I don’t think Ole is that man. I’ve got a load of respect for him but you want the best.

“United want to win titles but players have to respect the manager, and when you look at who he’s up against and how he got the job in the first place… you have to have the best and I don’t believe he’s the right man to take this club forward.”

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