Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has been appointed the new Portland Timbers manager on a contract until 2026.
After receiving his marching orders from fellow Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in June, Neville is back in management and faces a fresh challenge in America.
“I am massively excited about the challenge ahead,” said Neville, 46, as per club media.
“From the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.”
While Neville is delighted to return to management, there is a group of Portland Timber fans “deeply disappointed” the club were linked with him in the first place due to a “history of sexist statements”.
However, in 2018 after he became England women’s boss, Neville apologised for his tweets about women but they still follow him to this day.
In reference to fans of Portland Timbers, Neville added: “The fans are the most important part of this football club and with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special.”
Neville didn’t leave Inter Miami in the best of positions and that only means he has something to prove in Portland.
“Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success,” said Portland Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.
“His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
