Who Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes want to replace Ruben Amorim at Man United

Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have nailed their colours to the mast on who should replace Ruben Amorim if Manchester United run out of patience

Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have made their preferences clear on who should take charge if Manchester United lose faith in Ruben Amorim.

The head coach has faced mounting scrutiny after a disastrous start to the season, which included an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, alongside disappointing league results. Rumours circulated that Amorim might face the axe had he failed to secure victory against Sunderland on Saturday, though a 2-0 triumph over the Black Cats has provided some respite.

Minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pledged to afford Amorim time, though it seems unlikely United would persist with the Portuguese coach should they find themselves languishing in the lower reaches of the table like last season, particularly after splashing out over £200million on fresh talent during the summer.

Should United decide to act, club icons Neville, Scholes and Keane have been forthright about their preferred successor. Both Neville and Keane would opt for long-standing Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.

During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane expressed his respect for the passionate Argentine, who has guided Atletico to La Liga glory and Champions League finals.

Keane said: "I've said it for years, I'd like Atletico Madrid's Simeone to go in there. I'd like to see him go there. I know his mate has gone to Arsenal [Andrea Berta, who left Atletico to join the Gunners as sporting director].

"I think he would just create havoc, but good havoc. He'd rock up to that place. No guarantees, but I'd just like to see his personality, his track record.

"People might think styles of football, [but] they scored five against Real Madrid [winning 5-2] last weekend. He doesn't like his teams giving up too many goals or chances, but they can play a bit and fight.

"At Liverpool [where Atletico lost 3-2 in the Champions League] a few weeks ago... the team aren't as great as few years ago, but they still had fighting spirit. He's on the sideline, he got sent off that night, I'd like a big personality."

However, Keane isn't advocating for Amorim's immediate dismissal. He quipped: "I'd still say give the man a chance, absolutely. Another week!" Neville supported Keane's view, stating: "I think I'd go with that. I'd go with Simeone."

Meanwhile, Scholes backed Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, though he expressed doubts about his long-serving assistant, Jason Tindall, accompanying him. He said: "I'm not sure about his mate [Tindall], but definitely him."

Nevertheless, Amorim appears likely to get more time, based on Ratcliffe's recent remarks on The Times' The Business podcast. He said: "He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be.

"The press, sometimes I don't understand. They want overnight success. They think it's a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be roses tomorrow. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."

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