Neville throws weight behind British manager for Man Utd job

Since his emergence as Sky Sports’ most respected pundit, Gary Neville has remained remarkably neutral and professional in spite of his deep Manchester United roots, but now he’s come out in support of his pal to take the Old Trafford role permanently.

While Neville didn’t completely dismiss the club opting to appoint Louis Van Gaal he brought into question whether or not there was any advantage in bringing in a manager with no experience of the Premier League.

At present, the market sees it as a straight choice between the current Dutch coach and present interim boss, and probable fan choice, Ryan Giggs.

On the pitch at least this season, United have deviated wildly from their traditions of expansive football, turning in a miserable campaign for the most part.

However belatedly though, there were signs during the second-half of Giggs’ first game in charge against Norwich that those customs can easily be revived with the right man at the helm.

Talking on Monday Night Football, former player Neville expressed his desires for the club to stick to their traditions of appointing British managers and give Giggs at least the remainder of the season to prove himself.

“I would have liked to have seen Ryan have two or three games. He started well on Saturday, so let him have two or three more games to see whether he settles into the position and whether he can bed in and be given that role,” said Neville.

“At the end of the day the owners will do what they want to do. I suppose in some ways they want an experienced hand, but I personally would like to see a British manager be appointed because Manchester United have always appointed British managers.”

Sadly for United, there are no stand-out British choices other than taking a gamble on Giggs at present.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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