'I met Diego Simeone and this is the chance of him ending up at Man United' - ex-scout
Manchester United would have to change their way of thinking if they were to eventually hire Diego Simeone.
That is the opinion of experienced former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 56-year-old has been in charge of the La Liga giants, where he spent five years of his career as a player, since 2011, making him the second longest-serving manager at one club in Europe.
However, Simeone's contract is set to expire in 2027 and his future has been placed in doubt, with a change considered at Metropolitano Stadium.
Man United have been previously linked, but appointed Michael Carrick as their new permanent manager in May.
The former midfielder has signed a two-year contract, but will under immense pressure from the get go.
Bryan King offers Diego Simeone insight
Before Simeone, Atleti were a firm mid-table team in La Liga, without the league title since the 1995-96 season.
The Argentine had featured in that team, and he would be the one to finally bring the title back when he guided his team to it in 2014.
Under Simeone, Atleti have challenged Barcelona and Real Madrid with incredible consistency, often utilising their manager's brand of rugged, battling football.
His impact, not just on Atleti, but on Spanish football as a whole, has been nothing short of revolutionary.
However, there has always been an inkling that one day he would call time in Madrid, and look to experience a role in the Premier League.
"He's made them a force, that's for sure. You know, they've won the league, they've won the cup, and when you're battling against Real or Barcelona, [it's more impressive]," King told Football Insider.
"You wonder whether it's still the club [Man United] for him, if you know what I mean. He might be too strong for the people of Manchester, because he runs Atletico Madrid's playing side 100%. There's no interference because if there is, he's off and he's told them that.
"I've met him a couple of times and he knows football, don't worry about that."
What has Simeone said about managing in the Premier League?
Simeone and the Premier League seem to be a natural fit. The Argentine's outbursts are exactly the type of drama that the cameras look for, and his brand of football would likely succeed.
Whether it ever materialises, however, remains to be seen. "I consider myself a young coach. So I feel that it is possible," he said in 2016.
"There are many of the leagues provide some great challenges. Certainly, the English league, the Italian league are attractive for me."
There are several new managers in the Premier League this summer, and if any of them are to depart quickly, it would not be a surprise to see Simeone re-enter the fray.