Manchester United legend and co-owner of Inter Miami David Beckham has insisted it was a difficult decision but the time was now right to sack Phil Neville as the club's head coach.
Neville was appointed in January 2021 after a three-year stint as the England Women's national team head coach. In his two-and-a-half years in charge of Miami, the former United full back's greatest achievement was leading the club to the MLS Cup playoffs in 2022.
However, this season has been a struggle with Miami averaging a point per game which sees them sit bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference. Following the 1-0 defeat by New York Red Bulls overnight, the decision was made by Beckham and the rest of the board to relieve both Neville and his assistant Jason Kreis of their duties.
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Explaining his decision in a statement, Beckham wrote: "When we appointed Phil we knew he would give Inter Miami his all and I have watched him work incredibly hard and with real commitment towards the ambitions we set out for the club. He and his family embraced Miami and he has devoted himself to the drive to bring success to the city and to our fans.
"Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach. Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person."
Neville said: "I would like to thank the Inter Miami CF ownership group for their trust and making me a part of this project; the players and staff for their impressive commitment, dedication and hard work; and the fans for their unwavering support for the club since day one. I’m grateful to have played a part in the growth of this club and wish Inter Miami CF all the best in the future."
Miami's assistant coach Javier Morales has taken on the role of interim head coach while Beckham and co search for a successor.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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