David Beckham’s Emotional Decision to Sack Longtime Friend Phil Neville as Inter Miami Manager

David Beckham faced a difficult and emotional task when he decided to fire Phil Neville, a close friend for over 30 years and his former Manchester United teammate, as manager of his Inter Miami football club in June 2023.

Neville, part of United’s famous Class of ’92, had taken the job in January 2021 after leaving his role as manager of the England women’s team.

Despite a promising 2022 season that saw Inter Miami reach the MLS Cup playoffs, the club struggled in 2023, enduring a poor run of 10 defeats in 13 games. Beckham, co-owner of the club, made the tough decision to part ways with Neville after the disappointing results.

Phil Neville played with Beckham for Manchester United and England (Picture: Getty)

Neville’s brother, Gary, admitted that he had been “nervous” about his sibling taking the Inter Miami job. Given Beckham’s close relationship with the family, he knew the potential for an awkward situation.

“I knew at some point the likelihood would be that our best friend, David Beckham, would have to come and have a conversation with you about a change,” Gary said on *The Overlap US*.

Phil Neville, who has been friends with Beckham since their Manchester United days, revealed that while he saw the job as an incredible opportunity, he was aware of the difficult dynamics at play. He emphasised that Beckham had been loyal and gave him time to build his team, especially after a challenging first season.

Neville had a turbulent spell in charge of Inter Miami (Picture: Getty)

“I knew the end was coming well before the time,” Neville said, adding that their conversations had always been “honest and frank.”

Neville admitted that Beckham was more emotional during the sacking than he was. “He didn’t want to do it,” Neville shared, explaining that it was more challenging for Beckham when he had anticipated the decision. After letting him go, Beckham praised Neville’s contributions, stating, “Phil and his family embraced Miami, and he has devoted himself to the drive to bring success to the city and our fans.”

Gary Neville was the best man at Beckham’s wedding (Picture: Getty)

Just a few months after his departure, Neville was appointed as the manager of MLS team Portland Timbers, while Inter Miami, under Gerardo Martino, now leads the Eastern Conference.