Gary Neville and Roy Keane have agreed that Manchester United should target Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who has already made himself unpopular among Liverpool supporters.
Liverpool faced Simeone’s side in the Champions League group stages earlier this season, winning on both occasions. However, the Atletico boss caused controversy by refusing to shake Jurgen Klopp ’s hand after either game.
Despite appearing to be a slight on the Reds boss Klopp, Simeone defended his actions. The Argentine coach said he chose to run down the tunnel after the final whistle because he was angry and confessed that he believed there was a “falseness” to shaking hands after a defeat .
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However, the 51-year-old has been lauded for his achievements while in charge of the Spanish side. Having taken the reins in 2011, Simeone has guided the club to two La Liga titles, as well as reaching two Champions League finals.
And his fiery personality seemingly appeals to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville , who has touted Simeone as a coach his old club should be aiming to bring to Old Trafford. Ralf Rangnick is currently in temporary charge at United but Liverpool’s bitter rivals will be looking to make a permanent appointment this summer.
"Diego Simeone should be a candidate, but it's never been achievable to get him out of Atletico Madrid. He is wedded in there, he is tied,” Neville said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News .
"But it would be brilliant to see him in the Premier League, you saw [against Manchester United], I've seen it many times – I got beaten 2-0 in Valencia by his brilliant Atletico Madrid team that [Antoine] Griezmann was in before he went to Barcelona.
"He is a fantastic coach, brutal in how he approaches the game, I think in every single way. He's tough, and Manchester United need a tough manager."
Having seen United crash out of the Champions League to Atletico last week, Neville praised the application that Simeone’s side demonstrated throughout their round-of-16 tie - and would ideally have him on a shortlist for the manager’s job at his former side.
In voicing his support for Simeone, Neville echoed the thoughts of his ex-teammate Roy Keane. Speaking at The Overlap live last month, Keane told United to “go and get” the Atletico boss.
"He's done great things. He's a great character, a big personality. He doesn't mess around with players. Maybe someone like him coming into the club could work,” Keane said.
“If he's the right manager for Man United, go and get him. Pay the money, whatever it takes. Because you pay fortunes for players.
"He's done great things. Big character, big personality, doesn't mess around with players. Go and get Simeone."
