Ralf Rangnick makes his feelings on Diego Simeone clear amid Man Utd manager hunt

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has described Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone as "one of the best emotional managers in Europe".

The Red Devils take on Simeone's Atletico in the Spanish capital on Wednesday evening in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

United are on the hunt for a new permanent manager, who will need to work with Rangnick when he starts a two-year consultancy gig at Old Trafford in the summer.

The club's hierarchy have reportedly drawn-up a five-man shortlist - which doesn't contain Simeone - although there's still plenty of time to make a final decision.

Simeone has enjoyed lots of success at Atletico, winning two La Liga titles, two Europa Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

He's also reached two Champions League finals and been named European Coach of the Season, yet it's his longevity which is perhaps most appealing to United fans.

Simeone was appointed Atletico boss in December 2011. Since then, United have said goodbye to Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"He has won trophies with a clear identity, with a recognisable play style," said Rangnick when asked about Simeone's strengths on Tuesday afternoon.

"I don't think this has changed in the last years. They are always an emotional side and this reflects the character of the manager.

"Diego Simeone is probably one of the best emotional managers in Europe. The style of the way his teams have always performed reflects those emotions that he brings to the team.

"We need to match the levels of energy and emotion in both games.

"It will be physical, it will be emotional and we will have to be mentally strong in both