Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has rubbished the notion that Manchester United are currently going through a transitional period.
United, who beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford last Wednesday evening, announced Erik ten Hag as their new manager back in April and made six new signings in the summer transfer window. They have made an encouraging start to life under the Dutchman, finding themselves sixth in the Premier League table after 11 games, but remain a work-in-progress.
The Reds have shown flashes of what they could achieve under Ten Hag, such has been their impressive performances so far this season against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham. However, the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City was a reality check for the team.
However, Spurs boss Conte, who admitted that United were far better than his side when the two teams collided last week, believes United and Chelsea both have finished squads. Both clubs are under new management this term, but Conte has pointed towards both Ten Hag and Chelsea chief Graham Potter inheriting a talented pool of players.
"I am surprised you are asking about Manchester United and Chelsea being in transition," said Conte, speaking ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. "If Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season they won the Club World Cup.
"United, two years ago, finished second. If these clubs that can invest a lot of money are in transition, I don't know who are the title contenders? Maybe we have a different vision. It's good to have different opinions.
"In November we were ninth. We were playing [in the] Conference League. And you think United and Chelsea are in transition? With [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Raphael] Varane, [Jadon] Sancho, in transition? I hope to be in transition this way. I hope so.
"I have been here 11 months. You can change the coach but when you arrive and you find a group of players that won the Champions League two years ago, last season the Club World Cup for teams, maybe you find an important squad with players that won a lot. In transition for the coaching and the squad are two different situations."
Zuwabeo
0
I just like this coach
helkath
0
Even Tottenham is guilty of this claim. They have spent much in the market yet, they ain't performing as expected
Unitedforlife6
1
What about inheriting the best football duo Kane and son
shardul7798
0
Chelsea look more of a complete squad than United, but you can argue that they are in transition as well under Graham Potter.
Zonilnrstu
5
Conte should go to Newcastle other than that no team can satisfy him money and win he is not at the level of kloop or mourinho
Vicsammy
1
Giving an Excuses…. How much will you spend till your team is strengthening enough…..You have Bi souma which is one of the best midfielders when in Brighton and still you will never stop complaining about you needing players… what else do you want? Just change your old tactics, it’s no more working in premier league, every team now want to play a good football
zuzalrs
1
Well said Conte!
zunilnopt
2
he will sacked before may next year,conte is just hurt by the 2 losses
Morata_09
5
how much did Tottenham spend this season? Conte is jealous
iftinuvic
1
bzy 😁 at his loss against united
realsoca
1
very true