Gary Neville has called for Manchester United to back the next manager with significant funds, following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
The former United defender, speaking on Sky Sports, was already critical of Amorim’s time at the club before his dismissal. During his tenure, Amorim had also taken public digs at Neville, adding to the tension surrounding his spell in charge.
United are now searching for a new head coach, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker manager. Fletcher, who normally oversees the under-18s, is tasked with steadying the ship until a permanent appointment is made.
The decision to move on from Amorim means United will need an interim manager to guide them through the rest of the 2025-26 season.
Diego Simeone has been tipped as a possible candidate to replace Ruben Amorim at Man Utd
Diego Simeone has previously been linked with the United job, and the 55-year-old Argentine has built an impressive reputation during his time in charge of Atletico Madrid.
The club is expected to appoint a new permanent manager following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season, replacing former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.
Neville pointed out that someone like Valverde could be just as good of an appointment as someone like Diego Simeone. In fact, he referenced Valverde’s tactics and how similar they are to what some of Europe’s top clubs use now. He highlighted that 4-4-2 was a very familiar shape when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, comparing it to how things are set up under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City today.
Simeone is known for his aggressive style, operating in a more advanced role than Valverde but still utilising a strong midfield pairing to push his team forward. Neville drew comparisons between current tactical trends and those used by past managers at Old Trafford, pointing out how far back it goes into United’s history.
“Simeone is a 4-4-2 beast of a manager who plays aggressive and attacking [football], it’s a bit defensive at times, but it’s aggressive,” Neville said. “Manchester United have spent £20m a year on two or three players [a year] on wages.”
“Why not just spend £20m a year on a manager and get the best manager in the world? Whether that’s Simeone or Valverde – whoever it is – go and get the best manager in the world Manchester United can get.”
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone might have missed his window to join Man Utd
Back in 2023, Diego Simeone put pen to paper on a new deal with Atletico Madrid, keeping him under contract until 2027. The former Racing Club manager has achieved plenty during his time at the club.
That’s an impressive haul, especially given how dominant Barcelona and Real Madrid have been over the same period.
Still, in recent months, his name hasn’t come up around the United job as often as it used to. It looks like that ship may have sailed.
There’s also talk of Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner being in the frame. He’s seen as one of the main candidates to take over from Amorim long-term.
But there’s no indication yet whether the 51-year-old Austrian is actually ready to leave Selhurst Park at season’s end for a move north.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
