According to Stewart Downing, a former Liverpool and England winger, who spoke exclusively to Ladbrokes at the launch of their 5-A-Side bet on England v Switzerland on Tuesday, Conte could have been the right man for the job at Old Trafford, and Man United should be ashamed of themselves for going with whoever is available rather than the best candidates.

The Red Devils will hire a new manager this summer, and a number of high-profile candidates have been connected with the position. However, Downing believes it was a mistake not to sign Antonio Conte after he left Inter Milan and went unemployed for a few months before being hired by Tottenham.

There is no doubt that the Italian tactician is one of football's best and has achieved success in the past at major clubs like Chelsea, Inter and Juventus despite his rocky start at Tottenham.

Downing believes that the manager position does not help United's recruitment this summer.

"I know a lot of people claim he was the only man available, but we're talking about Manchester United here. Why didn't they just go out and get Antonio Conte when he was available at one point? What about Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino?

As Manchester United, go out and get the best man, not just any old guy. "I just don't think the whole situation has been handled very well," says the author.

United could consider this possibility ahead of the summer transfer window, since Conte is likely to see himself as manager of a more established club than Tottenham.