West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League - Source: Getty
West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League - Source: Getty
CBS Sports co-commentator Andy Townsend believes Manchester United must hire Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone this summer to get to Arsenal and Manchester City's level. Townsend reckons Simeone has what it takes to put 'massive demands' on the players to ensure they are picking up wins, despite his defensive style of play.
Manchester United opted to bring in Michael Carrick as caretaker manager on January 13, 2026, as a replacement for Ruben Amorim. The former has flourished to date, picking up four wins and one draw in his five games in charge, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester City.
While Carrick is only contracted with Manchester United until the end of the season, many fans have called for the club to appoint him on a permanent basis due to his impressive impact. However, Townsend told BoyleSports (via METRO):
"I feel there’s probably someone out there better than Michael Carrick even though he’s done very well. I think there would be people that are better equipped to manage a club like Manchester United than he can. I think you have to be looking for an elite manager, someone that has dealt with the very biggest players and personalities and has handled pressure from above and the terraces."
He added:
"I don’t think Antonio Conte would be the right fit. Out of all of them, the one manager I would like to see at United is Diego Simeone. I think his football and the way his Atletico Madrid team have played is kind of more suited to the Premier League."
"I don’t think his style of play would please the United fans. They want something more flamboyant. But at the moment, United need to get back on level terms with the likes of City and Liverpool and try to get ahead of Arsenal, I don’t think you want someone who’s talking about the beautiful game."
He then concluded:
"You need someone who is prepared to put massive demands on the players on a consistent basis and drag performances and victories out of them. Only Simeone has those qualities."
Diego Simeone has established himself as one of the best managers in Europe, having managed Atletico Madrid since 2011. His experience could help Manchester United as he has led his side to eight trophies, including two LaLiga titles.
"He’s not for me, not really" - Former Manchester United star makes feelings clear about Arsenal summer signing
Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen has cast doubt on Viktor Gyokeres' place in Arsenal's starting XI. Owen believes Gyokeres isn't the answer for the Gunners and that Mikel Arteta would be more likely to select Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz if the Champions League final was tomorrow.
Following an outstanding 2024-25 campaign at Sporting CP, Arsenal opted to sign Gyokeres on a permanent deal over the summer for a reported £55 million. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to make much of an impact in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing zero assists in 24 appearances. He has also failed to be clinical to date.
Owen told METRO:
"He’s not for me, not really. Listen, I don’t mind him. I think he’ll definitely be a source of goals if you play him in every game. But then again, I could probably play in every game for Arsenal; they are the best team at the moment and create a lot of chances. But is he the answer? I’m not so sure. He’s certainly an asset to the team. You would expect paying £60m for a striker, for him to be the stand-out striker, the go-to player. But I don’t know."
He added:
"I think if the Champions League final was tomorrow, would Mikel Arteta play him? Or would he pick Jesus or Havertz? I think so. And that probably answers the question."
Gyokeres will aim to make an impact for Arsenal in their upcoming FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic later today (Sunday, February 15).