The former Manchester United right-back claims he is not thinking about the managerial role at Old Trafford in the future, despite speculation that the Englishman took the job at Valencia with a view towards managing the Red Devils in the future
It hasn’t been long since Gary Neville decided to swap the relative comfort of the Sky Sports studio for the touchline at the Mestalla, and although the Valencia manager admits he wanted to take the opportunity to begin a new phase of his career in football, he insists that the Manchester United job is not something he is thinking about.
Neville faces a daunting challenge in Spain, and anything less than a Champions League finish is unlikely to appease a demanding fan-base, who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the owner and the club hierarchy this season given the poor start Valencia have made.
However, the Manchester United legend has claimed that he has no intention to return to Old Trafford as a manager. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports journalist Guillem Balague at Valencia’s training ground, Neville said: “No, I don’t see myself managing Manchester United at all. I know what I want to do in my life, and that’s not something that’s in my mind.”
The 40-year-old also explained his reasoning behind accepting the job, and elaborated on what he would consider as success during his time as Valencia manager. “From my point of view, this is important for me and a valuable experience,” Neville added. “I’m aware I need to succeed. Succeeding for me would be knowing these players have improved dramatically.
“Results come and go, I know we’re in a results-driven business, but I have never looked at football like that since I’ve finished playing. I did when I was a player. As a part-owner, I think about moving forward in the next five, ten years.”
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Manchester United need an experienced hand
There is no doubt that the rather romantic notion of either Gary Neville or Ryan Giggs taking over the reins at Old Trafford and returning the club to its glory days is one that appeals to the Manchester United faithful, but their fortunes since Sir Alex Ferguson left suggest that the club are in need of an experienced, world-class manager.
Although Giggs or Neville could take over the position some day, they have a total of 5 games of senior-level football on their managerial CV combined at this stage, and both would be better off working their way up to the role rather than being thrown it at the deep end.