Former Man United defender Phil Neville is named Portland Timbers head coach

The Portland Timbers have announced that Englishman Phil Neville will be taking over as manager of the club for the 2024 season.

Portland let go of manager Giovanni Savarese in the middle of last season after he was in charge for 216 games.

Neville's last managerial job came with Inter Miami CF from 2021 until 2023 - when he was fired after going 5-0-10 to start the season.

In a statement announcing the hire, Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said, 'We are thrilled to welcome Phil Neville as the new head coach of the Portland Timbers, and we look forward to making Phil and his family feel at home in Portland.

'Phil's character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success.

'His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.'

Neville said, “I am massively excited about the challenge ahead, and from the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.

“The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special.

'I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.'