Former Manchester United Defender Phil Neville Takes Over Portland Timbers

PORTLAND, OREGON.- Portland Timbers announced on Tuesday the hiring of Phil Neville as its new head coach. Neville, 46, joins the club with six years of experience as a top-flight coach, both in MLS and internationally.

Neville was introduced at a press conference at Providence Park.

“We’re excited to welcome Phil Neville to the Timbers family,” said Ned Grabavoy, the club’s sporting director. “He has the experience, leadership, and ambition we’re looking for in a head coach.”

Neville arrives in Portland after two and a half seasons as head coach of Inter Miami CF. In his first season with the team, he led Miami to its best finish in MLS history, finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Before his arrival in MLS, Neville was head coach of the England women’s national team for two years. With the Lionesses, he won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and qualified the team for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As a player, Neville had a successful 19-year career in the English Premier League and with the England national team. He won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and one UEFA Champions League with Manchester United. He also played 59 games for the England national team.