Antonio Conte’s Man Utd ‘exception’, salary demands and Cristiano Ronaldo issue

Antonio Conte would be open to taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd with pressure intensifying following the Liverpool defeat, but Cristiano Ronaldo may have doubts

Antonio Conte is keen on the Manchester Unitedjob as pressure mounts on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports.

The Red Devils boss watched on as his side lost 5-0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday with questions being asked regarding his future. 

Solskjaer is into his third full season in charge and, after heavy investment in the summer, needs to deliver a trophy.Thus far though he has been unable to make United the sum of their parts and some are calling for a new face.

Conte is the most highly-regarded manager currently out of a job having left Inter Milan in the summer.

The Italian led them to the Serie A title and has previously masterminded Chelsea’s Premier League success in 2017.

Conte is willing to discuss taking over at Old Trafford, reports the Guardian, with doubts emerging internally about Solskjaer’s ability to lead this United side. 

The Norwegian declared the defeat to the Reds as his “darkest day” and the team’s form leaves a lot to be desired.

Conte would usually be reluctant to take a new job mid-season, but would make an exception for the post in Manchester.

Gary Neville claimed the former Blues boss is “not a fit” for his former club, but Solskjaer’s future is in serious doubts as United chiefs weigh up their options.

Salary demands

If those on the red half of Manchester do decide to make a change it won’t come cheap.

For starters, Solskjaer was only handed a new deal earlier this year, so axing him will require a pay off.

Conte will also be offering little leeway in negotiations, with Calciomercato reporting he is unlikely to lower his wage demands. 

Solskjaer is believed to earn around £7m a year as United boss.