Manchester United have been advised to look beyond caretaker manager Michael Carrick and appoint Diego Simeone as their next permanent boss, according to former Premier League midfielder Andy Townsend.
Carrick has overseen an impressive resurgence since replacing Ruben Amorim, leading United to seven league wins in ten games, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester City. Townsend acknowledged the job Carrick has done but believes the club needs a more experienced figure to close the gap on rivals.
'I feel there's probably someone out there better than Michael Carrick even though he's done very well,' Townsend said. 'I think you have to be looking for an elite manager, someone that has dealt with the very biggest players and personalities.'
Townsend named Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone as his top choice. The 55-year-old Argentine has won two La Liga titles and reached two Champions League finals during his long tenure. Townsend argued that Simeone's demanding style would help United catch Manchester City and Arsenal.
'At the moment, United need to get back on level terms with the likes of City and Liverpool,' Townsend added. 'You need someone who is prepared to put massive demands on the players on a consistent basis and drag performances and victories out of them. Only Simeone has those qualities.'
Calls for Carrick to be appointed permanently have grown after his steady hand, but Townsend believes Simeone's pedigree makes him the better fit for the long-term project at Old Trafford.
