Manchester United were victors over Tottenham at the weekend, convincingly so.
But history may end up judging Spurs as the real winners if they end up being more decisive in their manager hunt.
The win has temporarily eased pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job, while led to Tottenham sacking manager Nuno Santo.
Di Marzio now reports Tottenham have revisited interest in hiring Antonio Conte, and the Italian coach is reportedly ready to reconsider them after snubbing their approach in the summer.
Conte is the best coach on the market right now, with The Guardian reporting he is keen on the United job.
But Romano suggests he is seriously interested in the Spurs job.
Wait and miss out?
In addition to Tottenham, Newcastle have also made an approach for Conte, which he has rejected, The Mirror report. For now.
The longer United hesitate, the stronger the chances are Conte will get fed up and go somewhere else.
This has already burned United previously, and the club may end up regret dallying over a manager who has won titles in five of his last seven club seasons.
United turned down the chance to hire long-term target Mauricio Pochettino last year when he was out of work.
A report from Daily Star last week claimed Pochettino was still United’s first choice.
The Times reported two other managers on United’s shortlist have also moved out of reach, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
The longer the club wait on Conte, the more chance there is that he will take a job elsewhere.
Conte may snub Spurs and hold out for a bigger job. But he is unlikely to be out of work for long.
Clubs are queuing up to hire him, with the exception of United.
The Mail report this reluctance could be down to Ed Woodward, who knows sacking Solskjaer would be a damning indictment of his spell in charge.
Regardless of the Tottenham result, a heavy defeat at home to City could leave United no option.
It will then be international break, and the perfect time to make a change.
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