Manchester United could turn to Antonio Conte in a bid to revive their struggling season, and the Italian manager may have a few familiar faces in mind if he takes charge at Old Trafford. Three players with Napoli connections could become potential transfer targets: Alessandro Buongiorno, Scott McTominay and Victor Osimhen.
Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United manager is reportedly under growing pressure. A defeat against Chelsea this weekend could prove to be a decisive moment for the 45-year-old, with the team’s inconsistent performances raising further concerns among supporters.
Although Carrick still has backing from some sections of the fanbase, United have yet to show convincing signs of improvement. The club could even find itself dragged into the Premier League’s lower-table battle if results do not improve.
The problems at Old Trafford, however, extend beyond the manager’s position. Several first-team players have also faced criticism for failing to demonstrate the character and mentality expected at one of English football’s biggest clubs.
Conte could offer a different approach. Known for his demanding personality, tactical discipline and high standards, the former Napoli manager would likely expect significant improvements from his squad.
United have already invested almost £200 million in new signings during last summer’s transfer window. However, Conte could still request further reinforcements if he is appointed.
Here are three former Napoli players who could attract his attention.
1. Alessandro Buongiorno: A Potential Leader in United’s Defence
Alessandro Buongiorno could be an attractive option for Manchester United if Conte takes over at Old Trafford.
Conte brought the Italian centre-back to Napoli from Torino in 2024, and the 27-year-old has continued to develop since making the move. Standing at approximately 190cm, Buongiorno offers considerable physical presence and strength in aerial challenges.
His qualities extend beyond his physical attributes. He is also recognised for his positional awareness, defensive discipline and ability to help build attacks from the back.
Those characteristics could address some of United’s defensive concerns. The club needs a reliable figure in central defence who can organise the back line, win important duels and provide greater stability.
Buongiorno is not a defender who regularly abandons his position to make adventurous runs forward. Instead, he prioritises defensive structure and maintaining his position, qualities that could appeal to a manager like Conte.
In September 2024, Conte described Buongiorno as a complete player. The Italy international can also operate on the left side of defence, an area that has presented difficulties for Manchester United.
A potential transfer could become more realistic next summer, when Buongiorno will have two years remaining on his Napoli contract.
There is, however, an important concern. The defender has yet to feature this season after undergoing knee surgery during the summer. His recovery could influence his transfer value, while his medical condition would naturally be an important consideration for any interested club.
2. Scott McTominay: A Familiar Face Who Could Return to Old Trafford
Scott McTominay would arguably be one of the most interesting potential targets because of his history with Manchester United.
The midfielder came through the club’s academy and spent a total of 22 years at Old Trafford before joining Napoli in 2024 for a reported £25 million.
His departure has since looked like a significant gain for the Italian club. Under Conte, McTominay developed into a productive box-to-box midfielder, combining physical strength, relentless work rate and an ability to influence matches in the final third.
His numbers in Italy underline that transformation. McTominay has scored 31 goals in 88 appearances for Napoli, compared with 29 goals in 255 matches during his Manchester United career.
United have already spent around £150 million strengthening their midfield during last summer’s transfer window. Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were among the players brought in as part of that investment.
However, their adaptation has not been straightforward amid the club’s wider instability. Conte might therefore believe that United still need a midfielder with a different profile.
McTominay could provide exactly that.
His energy, physical presence and ability to contribute goals from midfield would offer United another dimension. He also understands the expectations and pressure that come with playing for the club.
A reunion would require Manchester United to put aside any reservations about bringing back a player they previously decided to sell. If Conte believes McTominay can improve his midfield, however, the Scot could become a serious consideration.
3. Victor Osimhen: The Striker Who Could Transform United’s Attack
Victor Osimhen could be the most exciting name on this potential transfer list.
The Nigerian striker has been linked with Manchester United on several occasions in recent years, while other Premier League clubs have also reportedly monitored his situation.
Osimhen is now 27 and left Napoli for Galatasaray in the summer of 2024. His departure followed the collapse of a proposed late-window move to Chelsea.
A move to the Premier League has remained an attractive possibility for the forward. His combination of pace, physical strength and clinical finishing could make him an appealing solution to United’s attacking problems.
His record at Napoli demonstrated what he can offer. During the 2022/2023 campaign, when Napoli won the Serie A title, Osimhen scored 31 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Although he never played directly under Conte, the Italian manager knows the striker well from their time at Napoli. Conte previously described Osimhen as an outstanding player.
Manchester United have not had a consistent goalscorer with Osimhen’s profile for some time. Benjamin Sesko is currently the club’s only recognised out-and-out striker, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are more versatile attacking players who can operate in different positions.
Osimhen could give United a more direct attacking threat. His ability to challenge defenders physically, attack space and finish chances would provide a different option in the final third.
Of the three Napoli-connected players, he could represent the most significant upgrade to United’s attacking options, although any potential deal would depend on transfer conditions and the club’s willingness to invest.
Could Conte Rebuild Manchester United With His Former Napoli Players?
The possibility of Conte replacing Carrick remains uncertain, and there is no guarantee that Manchester United would pursue any of these three players.
Nevertheless, Buongiorno, McTominay and Osimhen represent three different solutions to problems that have affected United.
Buongiorno could strengthen the defence, McTominay could add energy and goals in midfield, while Osimhen could provide the reliable centre-forward presence the team needs.
Conte’s previous working relationship with Napoli’s players could also make these names particularly interesting if he arrives at Old Trafford.
Ultimately, Manchester United’s next managerial decision could shape the direction of their recruitment strategy. If Conte becomes the club’s next manager, familiar faces from his Napoli project may not be far from his transfer plans.
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