Keane and Neville Endorse Simeone as Future Manchester United Manager

Speculation surrounding Manchester United’s managerial future intensified this week as former players Roy Keane and Gary Neville expressed their support for Diego Simeone as a potential successor to current manager Ruben Amorim. This discussion arises in the wake of a challenging start to the season, which has left Amorim under considerable scrutiny just 11 months into his tenure.

Amorim has struggled to bring about a significant turnaround since taking over from Erik ten Hag, raising questions about his future at the club. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, publicly affirming that Amorim is not in immediate danger of being dismissed and should demonstrate his capabilities over a three-year period, the pressure remains high. The Red Devils are set to face Liverpool at Anfield after the international break, a match that could further influence discussions regarding Amorim’s position.

As the conversation continues, various names have surfaced as potential replacements for Amorim. Paul Scholes, another Manchester United legend, recently suggested Eddie Howe of Newcastle United as a suitable candidate. In contrast, Keane and Neville are united in their belief that Simeone would be an ideal choice for the club.

Keane and Neville’s Insights on Simeone

During a recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast, recorded in Rome, Keane articulated his admiration for Simeone, referencing the Argentine’s successful tenure at Atletico Madrid. “I’d like to see Simeone go in there,” Keane stated. “I think he would just create havoc. But good havoc.” He emphasized the importance of Simeone’s strong personality and proven track record, suggesting that such qualities could reinvigorate Manchester United.

Neville echoed Keane’s sentiments, stating, “I think I’d go with Simeone. I like Simeone.” Both players drew attention to Simeone’s ability to instill a fighting spirit in his teams, an element they believe is crucial for Manchester United.

Keane continued, highlighting a recent Atletico Madrid match where they scored five goals against their rivals, Real Madrid. He remarked, “This idea that he’s defensive… they can play a bit. They’re fighters.” The former midfielder noted that while Atletico may not be as dominant as in previous years, their competitive nature remains evident.

Neville also noted Simeone’s skill in maximizing the potential of talented players, stating that he gets them to perform at a high level consistently. His passion and tactical acumen have been pivotal in Atletico’s success over the years, making him a compelling candidate for the role at Manchester United.

As discussions about the managerial situation at Manchester United evolve, the spotlight remains on Amorim and the immediate challenges he faces. The upcoming match against Liverpool will likely be a critical moment for the team, shaping the narrative surrounding the club’s leadership and future direction. Whether the club will heed the advice of its former stars remains to be seen, but the endorsement from Keane and Neville certainly adds weight to the conversation regarding Simeone’s potential impact at Old Trafford.