United line up “Darks Arts Master” as Carrick’s replacement, 55-yo coach would tear Old Trafford apart – report

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has emerged as a surprise contender to become Manchester United’s head coach as the list of candidates has rapidly narrowed, according to the latest report.

Running Out of Options

INEOS are accelerating plans to appoint a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim after deciding that a final decision must be reached before the World Cup commences, with Michael Carrick in place as interim until then.

The tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to kick off on July 11, with United’s hierarchy intent on having their choice in place prior to the opening match in Mexico City.

This will enable the new coach to be actively involved in the summer planning, both in terms of inbound and outbound transfers, as well as the pre-season tour.

However, this limits the possibility of a manager of a country competing at the World Cup remaining in contention for the Old Trafford hot seat, given their focus will be on success in North America – not squad building in Manchester.

INEOS’s primary target was understood to be England boss Thomas Tuchel, while Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil), Mauricio Pochettino (USA) and Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) have also been linked with the job. This has led to alternatives coming under consideration, who may not have appeared to be obvious fits initially – such as Simeone.

Under the Radar

The Manchester Evening News reveals Atleti’s coach has “slipped under the radar” to take the reins at United. But the report states the 55-year-old Argentine is a “potential candidate” with an outstanding track-record of success in Spain, having won eight major trophies during his fifteen-year spell at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Despite having an explosive reputation, Simeone is the second longest-serving manager in one of Europe’s top five leagues, beaten only by FC Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt in the Bundesliga.

Diego Simeone: Atletico Madrid record

Furthermore, his philosophy – a robust defensive approach predicated on counter-pressing and intense work rate – is much more suited to the rigours of Premier League football than it is LaLiga, where Atletico are constantly at odds with the more stylistic play of their rivals, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

One of the key attributes INEOS are believed to be looking for is experience in England, having been twice burnt by imports from smaller leagues in Europe. However, there are few coaches on the continent whose teams would thrive in England the way that Los Colchoneros would.

Simeone only has one year remaining on his contract come the summer, meaning it “would not command a huge amount of compensation” to prise him away from the Spanish capital. He would also be available to meet INEOS’s deadline for a start date, were he to accept their offer.

There would almost certainly be a lure for the former defender to try his hand at a club who could compete with their domestic rivals financially, given the disparity in resources available to Atletico in comparison to Spain’s ‘big two’.

Final Thoughts

While Simeone’s reputation as an elite manager is unquestioned, his philosophy does not align with the attacking traditions of the Red Devils.

Furthermore, his use of young players offers an uncomfortable comparison with Amorim’s disregard for the academy, while his behaviour on the sidelines is far from perfect.

There is something to be said for the ruthless disciplinarian taking charge at Old Trafford, given the struggles with professionalism that have permeated throughout the club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise.

However, it would be simply too much of a risk to appoint Simeone after fourteen months of gruelling football under a defensive coach who was prone to fiery outbursts, both on and off the pitch – especially after the uplift a positive personality like Carrick has produced in comparison.

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