Keane names his ideal choice for future Man Utd boss saying he is a 'big character'

Roy Keane has named Diego Simeone as his ideal choice to take charge at Old Trafford, insisting the fiery Atletico Madrid boss would bring the kind of “havoc” and “big personality” the club has been missing for years.

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Keane said United need “a manager who won’t mess about,” adding that Simeone’s blend of discipline, passion and intensity would immediately command respect in the dressing room.

“I’ve said it for years — I’d like Simeone to go in there,” Keane said. “He’s a big character. He’d bring havoc — but good havoc. He wouldn’t tolerate any nonsense from the players.”

Keane, a Premier League and Champions League winner as United captain under Sir Alex Ferguson, has often criticised the club’s lack of leadership and structure since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

His admiration for Simeone centres on the Argentine’s ability to get the best out of his teams, even against stronger opposition.

Under Simeone, Atletico Madrid have won two La Liga titles, reached two Champions League finals, and consistently competed above their financial weight.

“People say he’s defensive, but his teams work their socks off,” Keane added. “They can attack when they need to — they’re organised, aggressive and always up for it. That’s what United need — players who actually look like they care.”

Keane’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of Rúben Amorim, whose United side have been inconsistent in their first season under his management.

While Keane stopped short of calling for a change, his remarks underline a wider frustration among supporters and former players about the team’s mentality and lack of identity.

Whether Simeone would ever take the United job remains uncertain — the Argentine has been at Atletico for over a decade and remains fiercely loyal to the club.

But Keane’s remarks have reignited a familiar conversation: that Manchester United need more than tactics to succeed — they need fire, fearlessness, and a leader with an uncompromising edge.