By Mark Whiley

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Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have nailed their colours to the mast over who should step in should Manchester United run out of patience with Ruben Amorim. The head coach has come under intense pressure this season following a torrid start to the campaign, which has seen a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby and poor league form. There was speculation that Amorim could be sacked if he failed to beat Sunderland on Saturday, but a 2-0 win over the Black Cats has eased the pressure somewhat. Minority owner Sir Jim Radcliffe has insisted he will give Amorim time, although it is hard to see United sticking with the Portuguese coach if they become mired in the bottom half of the table, as they were last season, especially having spent more than £200million on new signings in the summer. If United do pull the trigger, United legends Neville, Scholes and Keane have made it clear who they would like at the helm. Both Neville and Keane would go for long-serving Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane spoke of his admiration for the fiery Argentine, who has led Atletico to the La Liga title and Champions League finals. The Irishman 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 pushing for Amorim to be sacked just yet. He joked: “I’d still say give the man a chance, absolutely. Another week.” Neville agreed with Keane, adding: “I think I’d go with that. I’d go with Simeone.” However, Scholes went for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, although he had reservations about his long-time assistant, Jason Tindall, joining him. He said: “I’m not sure about his mate [Tindall], but definitely him.” However, Amorim looks set to be given more time, judging by Ratcliffe’s recent comments 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.” Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.