Maybe Conte expected more signings and that is fair enough, especially with regards to a right wing-back there were two new players, players he knew in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. His complaints sounded like a demand for more control over signings, something he attempted at Chelsea, also. But that is not how those clubs or, indeed, any modern club operates.

Another reason why United did not go for Conte was a perception that he wants “pre-programmed players” as one source put it – older, more experienced players and that he would not be able to get the best out of their young crop. Conte would dispute this but he does have a track record of bringing in what he terms “match-experienced players” which was most evident in the signings he made at Inter Milan where he brought back the league title for the first time in 11 years.

Whatever the details Conte’s reaction after the Burnley defeat did not do him any favours. He has been in charge for just 22 games and is suggesting it might be best he should go now? There is an assumption that he is being lined up by Paris Saint-Germain – a job swap with Mauricio Pochettino if he does not go to United? – but senior sources say the French club is extremely wary of Conte. Again it is not because they do not rate him but because they are not sure they can handle him.

If Conte does leave Spurs he will surely land another top job. His ability and achievements demand it. But he also has to be careful. The world is watching, including future employers, and might not be impressed by what it has just seen. Where it leaves Spurs, though, is an ever bigger, more fraught question given it would be another pre-season of angst, uncertainty and recrimination. And maybe also a sense of what just happened with Conte.