Ally McCoist has claimed that Manchester United ‘missed the boat’ by not installing Antonio Conte as their new manager before he took the reins at Tottenham and has urged the club to prise the Italian away from north London in the summer.
The Red Devils have been linked with a host of European football’s leading managers, with Ajax's Erik ten Hag and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly in the running to succeed interim boss Ralf Rangnick. However, McCoist believes United should pursue Conte and hinted the Italian may be unhappy with the project at Spurs if he’s not backed in the summer.
“I think United missed the boat by not appointing Conte at the end of last year, and in normal circumstances you would think that ship had sailed, however, nothing surprises you in football,” McCoist told Four Four Two.
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“You hear the rumours that Mauricio Pochettino wants to go back to Spurs, and doesn’t fancy United, so I wouldn’t rule out Conte going to United. The one thing Conte wants is financial backing, and I am not sure he is happy with what he is getting at Spurs.
“He has done a few strange interviews, and made a few comments that would indicate that is the case. United have great players, but they are not a great team, and I think Conte could help mould them into that. It is a time for real change.”
McCoist’s views are in stark contrast with those of Gary Neville, as the United legend is adamant that the former Juventus boss cannot provide the longevity and stability desperately needed at Old Trafford.
“Conte is not a manager for Manchester United, he comes in for one or two years and leaves. Neville said on Sky Sports in the wake of United’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
“United have been there with Jose Mourinho. They want to appoint [Mauricio] Pochettino or [Erik] Ten Hag on a long-term project.”
