Five Man Utd Players Antonio Conte Would Let Go Right Away If He Takes Over From Michael Carrick
If Antonio Conte takes over as Manchester United manager, we can expect some big changes. Here are five players who might be at risk.
Right now, Michael Carrick is under pressure, with just one game left this Sunday against Leeds to prove himself. United’s poor form this season has put his job in doubt. If Carrick is let go just five months after being appointed, many believe Conte could be the next man in charge. And when Conte arrives, some players might find themselves out of favor.
Conte has a reputation in the Premier League for being pretty tough, especially when a player doesn’t fit his plans anymore. For example, back in 2017, even after Diego Costa scored 20 goals and helped Chelsea win the title, Conte told him he would be sold.
So, if Conte joins United, changes are likely. Let’s look at five players who might be at risk:
First up is Marcus Rashford. Despite being one of the top earners, Rashford isn’t getting many starts. Many thought he would join Barcelona permanently next season after a good spell there, but the club picked someone else. With no other team ready to meet his salary, he’s stuck at United. Conte might see him as someone who isn’t playing enough and decide to sell him to bring in new players.
Next is Mason Mount, who came from Chelsea last summer for £55 million. Injuries have held him back, and with United signing new midfielders like Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans, Mount’s place isn’t guaranteed. His contract ends in 2028, so Conte might want to sell him soon to free up money for new signings.
Luke Shaw is another player who might be moved on. Although he fits the style Conte likes, Shaw’s injury problems mean he can’t play regularly. His contract is up this summer, and if Conte takes over soon, Shaw might be sold or allowed to leave for free so United can buy a fresh left-back.
On the right side of defense, Diogo Dalot could also be in trouble. Although he usually plays and his versatility is useful, Conte might want new defenders, meaning Dalot could be pushed into a backup role. His contract also runs until 2028, so his future is uncertain.
Finally, there’s Joshua Zirkzee. He hasn’t done well since joining from Bologna for £36.54 million in 2024. If Conte decides Zirkzee isn’t better than other forwards like Benjamin Sesko or Matheus Cunha, he could be sold to make room for new players.
Of course, all this depends on Carrick being let go and Conte coming in. If United lose to Leeds on Sunday, Carrick’s job could be very shaky. Conte, who left Napoli recently, has even mentioned wanting to manage a big club like United to restore its glory.
In a recent interview, Conte said he wants to lead a club with a rich history back to its former glory, competing for trophies again. With United’s poor run—no wins in five games, 13th place in the league, and an early Carabao Cup exit—Conte would likely be eager to take on the challenge.