Manchester United would have a shot at appointing Antonio Conte if they got rid of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Richard Keys. The Italian is currently working at Tottenham, having taken over at the north London giants earlier in the season. However, with Spurs failing to live up to the 52-year-old’s expectations, a summer exit could be on the cards.
Manchester United could appoint Antonio Conte according to Richard Keys (Image: GETTY)
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Plenty of things need changing at United, whose hopes of Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory are already over.
But the goalkeeper isn’t one of them.
David De Gea was written off by many at the start of the season, especially after struggling in the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal last year.
Yet the 31-year-old is now back to his brilliant best.
While Dean Henderson wants minutes, he’ll likely have to leave to get them with De Gea an undroppable figure between the sticks at present.
Under Conte, United would likely use either a 3-5-2 to 3-4-3 formation.
They’re tried and tested methods of the Italian, who has achieved great success using the style as the likes of Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan in the past.
So, at United, that would likely mean a back three consisting of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Maguire has been condemned for his form this term but, as club captain, almost gets into the side by default.
Lindelof and Varane have both had good seasons, even if the latter is yet to show the same form as his time at Real Madrid.
Man Utd could lose Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer (Image: GETTY)
Midfield: Dalot, Van de Beek, Fred, Telles
Luke Shaw has been too insistent for a number of years, now.
And with Alex Telles a more prominent figure at the club, and perhaps better at going forward, the Brazilian could be used as a wing-back under Conte.
On the opposite side would be Diogo Dalot, who has ousted Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the side.
Then, in the middle, Donny van de Beek and Fred could be paired together.
Paul Pogba is likely to leave on a free transfer, Nemanja Matic may depart as well and Scott McTominay isn’t as dependable as Fred in the middle of the park.
Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho may shine under Antonio Conte (Image: GETTY)
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Forwards: Sancho, Martial, Rashford
If United do lose Ronaldo, they’ll invest in a big-name centre-forward to fill the void.
However, if that’s not possible, Anthony Martial may be given a second chance to prove himself.
The France international has made a stirring start to life at Sevilla, scoring in their 3-1 Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday night.
And United are open to giving Martial another opportunity to show his worth when the campaign comes to an end, providing he continues to impress.
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford may then be deployed alongside the France international up top.