Gary Neville has categorically ruled out becoming Manchester United or England manager in the near future, describing suggestions that he could be as “nonsense” in an interview with The Telegraph.
The former Red Devils and Three Lions defender has recently taken his first step into management, quitting his punditry job with Sky Sports by signing a six-month contract with Valencia.
By the end of that deal, both the England and Manchester United jobs could be available. Roy Hodgson’s contract expires after Euro 2016, while the pressure is building on Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.
But Neville has insisted that he is ‘happy where he is’ and wanted to make it “absolutely clear” that he did not take on his role with Valencia to put himself in the frame for any other position.
SEE MORE:
High-profile title-winning manager preparing for Chelsea, Man United jobs
Man United plotting incredible £116m double swoop to inject attack with much-needed spark
Man United prepare January bid for £33m Brazilian winger
“Me being the England manager in six months or me being the Manchester United manager in six months – I can assure you it’s not going to happen,” Neville told The Telegraph.
“And it shouldn’t happen. Simple as that. I am removing any doubt that anybody should be thinking in that way. You see these things and it’s nonsense.
“Honestly, nonsense. I am happy here doing what I am doing. I am happy working under Roy. I have not been back to Manchester United for years. I am happy where I am.
“The idea that I have taken this job so I can pounce on one of those other two jobs – it’s absolutely not true. You can rest assured of that. It’s not going to happen in terms of people offering it to me and it’s not going to happen in terms of me taking it. I want to be absolutely clear on that.”
While Neville has distanced himself from the speculation, explained by Sky Sports, Hodgson has tipped him as his successor, as the Express reports, and he would undoubtedly be a popular appointment.
The 40-year-old was far from universally loved during his playing days, but has changed many people’s opinion of him with his insightful and entertaining analysis on Monday Night Football.
Neville has won one of his four games in charge of Valencia so far – a Copa del Rey tie against third-tier Barakaldo. Los Che return from their winter break with a trip to Villarreal in La Liga today.
SEE ALSO:
Messi to Man City: £120m-rated legend to earn £41.6m per year at Etihad
Our favourite darts walk-on girls: Stunning photos will blow your mind
Hottest football WAGs 2015: Wilshere’s new girlfriend joins Chelsea, Liverpool & Man United babes in top 10