Roy Keane Champions Diego Simeone for Manchester United Managerial Position
Manchester United have once again been advised to consider Diego Simeone as their permanent head coach, with former captain Roy Keane leading the calls for his appointment over interim manager Michael Carrick. This recommendation comes despite Simeone's controversial history with United supporters and warnings about his intense managerial approach.
Andy Townsend's Endorsement of Simeone's Premier League Suitability
In a recent interview with Boylesports, football pundit Andy Townsend expressed his preference for Simeone, stating that the Argentine's tactical style at Atletico Madrid is well-suited to the Premier League. "I don't think Antonio Conte would be the right fit. Out of all of them, the one manager I would like to see at United is Diego Simeone," Townsend remarked. He elaborated that while Simeone's pragmatic football might not align with United's traditional flamboyant expectations, it could be crucial for bridging the gap with rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. "At the moment, United need to get back on level terms... I don't think you want someone who's talking about the beautiful game," he added, emphasizing results over aesthetics.
Historical Tensions: Simeone's Ugly Incident at Old Trafford
However, Simeone's potential arrival is shadowed by a past altercation with Manchester United fans. After Atletico Madrid eliminated United from the Champions League, Simeone was targeted with bottles thrown by supporters as he exited the Old Trafford pitch. The manager chose not to retaliate, instead sprinting down the tunnel to the away changing room to await his squad. This incident underscores the volatile relationship that could resurface if he were to take charge at the club.
Anders Limpar's Warning on Simeone's Demanding Nature
Former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar issued a cautionary note regarding Simeone's management style, suggesting it could place extraordinary demands on United's players. "Nobody knows what a man like Simeone and his type of energy would do at United," Limpar observed. He drew parallels to Antonio Conte's successful tenure at Chelsea, highlighting how Simeone's relentless work ethic at Atletico Madrid could translate to the Premier League. "Simeone is so demanding, even with his own son, to play more than the other ones, and the work rate from Atletico’s players is unbelievable," he explained. Limpar warned that players at top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, or United would need to adapt to a regime where they are pushed to perform like "mad dogs."
Roy Keane's Vision for Simeone's Impact at United
Roy Keane has been a long-time advocate for Simeone's appointment, reiterating his support in October. "I've said it for years, but I’d like to see Atletico Madrid's Simeone go in there," Keane stated. He acknowledged the recent move of Simeone's associate Andrea Berta to Arsenal but remained confident in Simeone's ability to instigate positive change. "I think he would just create havoc, good havoc," Keane asserted, envisioning Simeone as a transformative figure who would impose a strong personality and fighting spirit at Old Trafford. "He would rock up to that place and say ‘this is how you do things’. There is no guarantee, but I’d just like to see his personality there with his track record," he concluded, praising Simeone's sideline intensity and recruitment successes facilitated by Berta.
As Manchester United weigh their options for the summer, the debate over Simeone's candidacy continues, balancing his proven managerial credentials against potential fan backlash and the high demands he would place on the squad.
