Neville to stay on in coaching capacity

Gary Neville, who retired from football on Thursday, is to stay on at Manchester United until the summer in an informal role.

Neville, 35 has been linked with a full-time position at United and a pundit job at Sky Sports. However, he said that he intends to work with the Old Trafford club in order to obtain his coaching badges before he decides what to do long-term. He said he wants to take 12 months to think about his future and not rush into anything too quickly.

Although the eight-time Premier League winner wants to finish all of his coaching qualifications, he stated that he is not sure whether he wants to look for a regular position on the coaching staff. He said that right now he is not of the mindset to pursue a career in full-time management or coaching. After working for 20 years with Manchester United, he said that he just wants some time to relax. He added that he will certainly maintain his relationship with United, even if it is only as a fan.

The right-back played his first game for United back in September 1992 and went on to play 602 times for the club he had always supported, making his last appearance in a 2-1 victory away at West Brom on 1 January. It is thought that he will be given a testimonial when the current campaign ends as recognition of the part he played in the most successful time in the club’s history.