Roy Keane has chosen Diego Simeone as his ideal manager to succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Amorim was appointed less than a year ago, but has faced continued pressure at Old Trafford amid a series of dismal results on the pitch.
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United have won only 20 of their 50 matches across all competitions throughout his tenure and have drifted away from rival opposition.
Despite their struggles, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Amorim needs three years in the job ‘to demonstrate he is a great coach’.
But if the 40-year-old was to be dismissed as head coach, club legend Keane would love Atletico Madrid boss Simeone to take the job.
What has Keane said about Simeone?
“I’ve said it for years, I’d like to see Atletico Madrid’s Simeone, I’d like to see him go in there,” he said on Stick to Football.
“I know his mate’s [Andrea Berta, sporting director] gone to Arsenal, but I think he would just create havoc, but good havoc.
“I think he’d rock up to that place and say, ‘This is how you do things.’ No guarantee, but I’d just like to see his personality, and his track record…”
Keane added: “People might think styles of football, they beat Real Madrid, they scored five last weekend.
“This idea that he’s defensive… Yeah, he doesn’t like his team giving up too many goals or chances, but they can play a bit.
“Liverpool a few weeks ago [3-2 defeat], the team aren’t as great as they were a few years ago but there’s still that fighting spirit.
“He’s on the sideline causing… He got sent off that night [against Liverpool], didn’t he? I’d like a big personality.”
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Simeone success on the sideline
Former midfielder Simeone, who earned 108 caps with Argentina, is most famous for his managerial success at Atletico.
Six years after ending his second playing stint at the club, he was appointed as manager in 2011, succeeding Gregorio Manzano.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were further strengthening their dominance in Spanish football at the time with various LaLiga titles.
However, Simeone helped buck the trend as Atletico became league champions at the end of the 2013/14 season.
Another title followed in the 2020/21 campaign as Barca and Madrid once again fell short.
Atletico have also reached two Champions League finals across his 14-year tenure.
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However, they have been beaten by city rivals Madrid both times.
Simeone has also won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup as a manager, as well as two Europa League and two Super Cup titles.
The 55-year-old, a four-time LaLiga Coach of the Year, has won just under 59 per cent off his 748 matches in charge.
He exudes passion on the touchline with his wild celebrations, and is adored amongst the Atletico fanbase.