Antonio Conte is the frontrunner for the Manchester United job if the Red Devils decide to part company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Italian tactician, who has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan last season, is now ready to pick up the phone. His camp have now made Conte’s position clear… he would be ready to break his preference of waiting until the end of the season to jump into a new challenge, to take the United job.
That has only upped the pressure on Solskjaer at United but the Norwegian is expected to be given the chance to manage this weekend’s clash with Tottenham in north London.
Failure to deliver a positive result is likely to lead to a dismissal with Conte now openly waiting in the wings.
And if the former Chelsea boss is to land the role, we can immediately expect changes both in personnel and to the system.
Historically, Conte has favoured a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 and he would be expected to immediately ditch Solskjaer’s 4-2-3-1.
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Diogo Dalot
Given that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not really suited to a wing-back position, Dalot could be set to profit from a change of system.
He was wanted by Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer as he was deemed the perfect acquisition for their favoured system which features wing-backs but United were not prepared to let him go.
Dalot’s game-time has since been limited but if Conte comes in, he could soon be of use, just like former United duo Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young.
Donny van de Beek
Several United players are believed to have questioned Solskjaer for consistently overlooking Van de Beek but he’s a player that would be cherished by Conte.
After all, Inter Milan considered signing the midfielder before his move to Old Trafford from Ajax.
Conte’s 3-5-2 at Inter contains two ball-playing midfielders and Van de Beek could fit that role to a tee.
He is ready to make his mark at the club and he would be without doubt the biggest player to benefit from a change of manager.
Alex Telles
Alex Telles has previously flourished at wing-back and although he may still have to edge Luke Shaw to a spot in the side, the Brazilian has the qualities to get the nod ahead of the England international.
That may seem strange to say but Telles is the kind of player Conte adores.
He is a willing runner and brilliant crosser of the ball and for that reason, there is every chance he could become a regular should Conte land the job…
Victor Lindelof
Finally, Lindelof’s game time is likely to be limited again once Raphael Varane returns to the fold but if Conte gets the job, he is expected to move to three at the back.
That could open the door for the Swede, who would be expected to nail down a place in the side alongside the Frenchman and Harry Maguire.
Lindelof’s days at United have looked numbered on several occasions but he could still have an important part to play if Conte replaced Solskjaer…