Patrice Evra admits 'hurt' at Manchester United's decision on Antonio Conte

Patrice Evra has admitted he was left “hurt” by Manchester United’s decision not to appoint Antonio Conte last season.

United begin their pre-season preparations next week under new manager Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman getting his new squad together for the first time before heading out on tour. But things could have been different had United chosen to act quickly last season.

United could have appointed Conte, who was available during the opening couple of months of the campaign after leaving Inter Milan. Despite facing calls to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and replace him with the Italian following the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool in October, United stuck by their manager.

Just a week later, following a 3-0 defeat to United, Tottenham sacked Nuno Espirito Santo and moved quickly to land Conte. The decision ultimately saw the former Chelsea boss lead Spurs to a top four finish, while United endured a disastrous season under Ralf Rangnick, who took over following Solskjaer’s eventual sacking.

“It hurts my heart,” Evra told the Mirror. “Because I think Conte, Klopp, Guardiola — all those managers are the best in the world right now and we could have had him at Manchester United.

“But some people at the club, they said: ‘It’s not our style, it’s not what we’re looking for.'

"So let’s see, now we have Erik ten Hag. Let’s see what he’s going to do. He has my support. But then, even if you brought a chef in, as the manager of Man United, he’d have my full support.”

Evra knows better than most what Conte could have brought to Old Trafford, having played under him during his time at Juventus. The 52-year-old will be aiming to push further with Spurs next season, with the north London club eyeing up a shock title challenge with