Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United remains under growing scrutiny after a mixed start to the 2025/26 season. With the Red Devils sitting tenth in the Premier League after seven games, pressure is mounting on the Portuguese manager to spark a turnaround.
United spent heavily in the summer on attacking reinforcements, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. But despite flashes of progress, consistency has eluded them. After finishing 15th last season, patience is wearing thin at Old Trafford.
While the club’s hierarchy has not moved to dismiss Amorim, former United captain Roy Keane has made it clear who he believes should take charge if change is made.
Roy Keane calls for Diego Simeone
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane made no secret of his admiration for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, describing the Argentine as the kind of fiery presence United have been missing.
“I’ve said it for years. I’d like to see… Simeone. I’d like to see him going down. I think he’d cause havoc, but good havoc… it’s that fighting spirit. He gets talented players working, yeah, in a ridiculous way.” — Roy Keane, The Overlap
Keane dismissed perceptions of Simeone as purely defensive, insisting his style is about instilling grit, discipline and unity. “People might think football, ‘they scored five last week’, this idea that he’s defensive. Yeah, he doesn’t like seeing too many chances conceded. But it’s that fighting spirit that I like.”
Would Simeone suit Manchester United?
Simeone’s name has been linked with Premier League jobs in the past, though his long-standing loyalty to Atletico Madrid has kept him in Spain. Since 2011, he has become synonymous with the club’s identity, overseeing nearly 750 games and establishing them as consistent challengers in La Liga and Europe.
His career record across all clubs is impressive:
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Defeats | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 955 | 537 | 216 | 202 | 1574 | 862 |
source: manager career records – 2025
With two La Liga titles, two Europa League trophies and two Champions League finals under his belt, Simeone is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most respected managers in world football.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Keane’s suggestion highlights the type of personality United have lacked:
“Keane sees Simeone as a cultural fit — a manager who thrives on fight, organisation and discipline. Amorim was supposed to bring structure, but results haven’t followed. Whether Simeone would leave Atletico is another matter, but his appointment would certainly inject steel and authority into a fragile United side.”
Key Insights
- Roy Keane believes Diego Simeone is the ideal Amorim replacement.
- Keane praises Simeone’s “fighting spirit” and ability to get stars working hard.
- Amorim is under pressure after United’s mixed start to 2025/26.
- Simeone has managed nearly 1,000 career games, with over 530 wins.
- The Argentine has been Atletico Madrid’s manager since 2011.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
For now, Amorim remains in charge and is tasked with steadying United’s form before talk of change intensifies. October fixtures will be crucial in determining whether he survives the growing discontent.
Simeone, meanwhile, continues to lead Atletico Madrid in La Liga, but speculation will persist if Amorim fails to convince. A potential move to Old Trafford would be one of the most dramatic managerial shifts of modern times — but could it be exactly what Manchester United need?
👉 Do you agree with Roy Keane — would Diego Simeone be the perfect manager to restore fight and discipline at Manchester United?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 9 Oct 2025 09:00
I dont think United want any of that football he plays - didnt they sack Mourinho for his pragmatic approach as a reason?
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