Diego Simeone to Manchester United is a link that refuses to go away. But as the Atletico Madrid icon is tipped to replace Ruben Amorim, a dark history at Old Trafford and a “mad dog” warning from former players suggest his arrival would be anything but quiet.
While Michael Carrick continues to impress as interim boss, the shadow of “El Cholo” looms large. For pundits like Andy Townsend and Roy Keane, Simeone represents the elite, uncompromising character needed to bridge the gap between United and the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Old Trafford “Bottlegate” Incident
Simeone’s relationship with the United faithful is complicated. In 2022, after his Atletico side knocked the Reds out of the Champions League, Simeone was pelted with bottles by frustrated fans as he made his trademark sprint to the tunnel.
Rather than reacting, Simeone embraced the chaos ba trait Roy Keane believes is exactly what the current squad lacks. “I think he would just create havoc, but good havoc,” Keane told Stick to Football. “He’d rock up to that place and say, ‘This is how you do things.’”
“Working Like Mad Dogs”
Former player Anders Limpar has issued a stern warning to United’s stars should the Argentine take the reins. Drawing comparisons to Antonio Conte’s title-winning stint at Chelsea, Limpar emphasized the brutal work rate Simeone demands.
“He would have them working like mad dogs,” Limpar warned. “Simeone is so demanding, even with his own son. The work rate from Atletico’s players is unbelievable. Nobody knows what that kind of energy would do at United.”
Flamboyance vs. Results
The main argument against Simeone has always been his pragmatic, defensive style. However, Andy Townsend believes United fans must prioritize results over “the beautiful game” to return to the top level.
“I don’t think his style would please the United fans; they want something more flamboyant,” Townsend admitted. “But at the moment, United need to get back on level terms… You need someone prepared to put massive demands on the players on a consistent basis.”
With Simeone’s long-term partner in recruitment, Andrea Berta, recently moving to Arsenal, the tactical and administrative landscape is shifting. Whether United are ready to embrace the “havoc” of the Simeone era remains the biggest question of the 2026 summer window.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
