LIVERPOOL legend Robbie Fowler has ‘laughed’ off Gary Neville’s choice for the permanent Manchester United managerial role.
United legend Neville called for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to succeed current interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who will move into an advisory role once a long-term solution is found.
But Fowler says the “horrible stuff” and tactics Simeone’s Atletico side are known for should not be implemented at Old Trafford.
Writing for the Mirror, Fowler said: “I laughed this week when I heard Gary Neville shouting that his former club should make Diego Simeone their next manager.
“Honestly. C’mon. I’m not saying he’s anti-football, but some of the antics his team get up to, some of the horrible stuff they do, and the tactics they pursue. Not at Manchester United.
“The fans would be calling it out within weeks, and even if he actually won things with it, they wouldn’t put up with it for long.
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“United have a certain expectation about how they should be playing, which was laid down by Sir Matt Busby and [Alex] Ferguson.”
Fowler says Simeone “exists to stop opponents playing football”, something “no one should welcome”.
He continued: “Simeone doesn’t fit with that [playing style expectation].
“He doesn’t fit with anyone who loves football, he essentially exists to stop opponents playing football. Which no one should welcome.
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“And that’s what I mean by identity. It’s not enough to be simply winning – even if it helps, obviously.”
Fowler has also thrown a candidate of his own into the mix.
Instead of selecting the Thomas Tuchels or the Simeones, Fowler has put forward Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, younger brother of legendary Italian striker Filippo.
He said: “I have a shout for them though. Simone Inzaghi, the younger brother of Filippo.
“You can see with Inter he has taken them on beyond the dour football of Antonio Conte, despite the club having financial problems.
“They are in contention for the title, performed well – and I think above their level – against Liverpool in the Champions League, and all with budget constraints.
“Before that he was at Lazio, where he won three trophies and was hugely popular with the fans. Would it be a gamble? Of course.
“But United need someone with an ability to build something now, not simply a ‘name.'”