Manchester United's controversial decision to snub Antonio Conte has been vindicated

Shortly after departing Inter Milan in May 2021, Antonio Conte was interested in becoming manager of Manchester United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was close to being sacked in October that year and Conte emerged as a contender to be named as his successor, but the Italian held reservations about the club's structure, whilst key figures at Old Trafford had their own doubts about him.

Conte had left Inter Milan due to disagreements with the club's board over transfers and United sources feared his confrontational approach to management would bring more problems than success, despite his track record of winning silverware.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag must solve Man United's £73m attacking puzzle

United were in the mire and Conte, a proven winner, was available, but the club resisted the temptation for a short-term fix and eventually appointed Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis, which at least meant they had time to consider their options.

Conte would have undoubtedly inspired a better response than Rangnick last season, although with the benefit of hindsight, his appointment as Solskjaer's successor would have stalled the club's progress for another few years.

After Rangnick's appointment, Conte did return to the Premier League but with Tottenham. Spurs last won a major trophy in 2008 and Conte seemed like a sensible appointment to end that barren run, yet he has failed in North London.

Tottenham secured Champions League football last season, but Arsenal's late implosion gifted them fourth position. Since then, Spurs have gotten worse and their trajectory has made Harry Kane consider his options ahead of the summer.

Conte is set to be sacked and the only surprise is that decision hasn't been taken sooner. Conte has not improved