Phil Neville and David Beckham out to recreate Man Utd’s Class of 92 as old team-mates reunite at Inter Miami
PHIL NEVILLE wants to turn Miami into Manchester.
The Old Trafford favourite has taken the reins of David Beckham’s MLS team and is already plotting how to roll back the years with his old pal.
Both Nev and Becks came through the ranks under the guidance and genius of Sir Alex Ferguson, who helped create an unforgettable, trophy-laden dynasty at Manchester United.
Fergie’s attention to detail and thirst for winning has rubbed off on his former players — and Neville wants to create something similar with Inter Miami.
The former United and Everton midfielder said: “When you talk about the Manchester United DNA, it’s the DNA of the most successful businesses and people in the world.
“I have been talking to David’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, about the values of his own company — and they are the same values Sir Alex Ferguson had and Manchester United have.
“All the best teams have it. There are great parallels in the way we want to promote our young players and give them opportunities, creating a style and behaviour that is the best.”
Neville headed back to England on Friday after his first week on the job in America and will return with a fresh vision for a club who were one of the worst performers in MLS last term.
Beckham swung the axe earlier this month, with former manager Diego Alonso and sporting director Paul McDonough both booted out.
McDonough was replaced by Chris Henderson, who oversaw two title wins at Seattle during a 13-year spell working behind the scenes.
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And the former US international midfielder will play a key role in helping Neville navigate the tricky transfer market in the US where salary caps and restricted spending come into play.
Blowing millions on a new squad is not an option, so producing homegrown stars — just like Fergie did with the legendary Class of ’92 — is the aim.
Neville, who admitted he first started plotting his coaching future at the age of 22, added: “When I landed in Miami, I headed straight to the training ground.
“When you see the foundations and infrastructure in place, that is through hard work and having a vision.
“Hard work, determination, giving opportunities to younger players — they are the fundamental, non- negotiable values of a football club.
“As is making sure the fanbase are connected and they can see a team they are proud of.
“I am coming to instil those values as well as showing what it takes to actually win.
“When David and Jorge look down, I want them to see something they love, which will want to make them come back and invest even more. But it’s a great opportunity for me when you look at the youth system.
“I have great experience, having been produced as a young player and then giving opportunities as a coach.
“Yes, we want the international star — one who can relate to every household in the world — but the homegrown player is absolutely essential, a player who has Inter Miami blood.
“My goal this year is to put a player like that on to the pitch.”
MLS — with all the travel, time-zones and weather changes — is a fearsome challenge for any manager and only a few foreign bosses have tasted success.
Neville wants to break the mould.
He added: “The biggest challenge for is to come here and prove to people that foreign coaches can be successful. Proving people wrong excites me. There will be things we have to adapt to, as well.
“I came out to America for pre-season where we were in a different city every two or three days, but we adapted to it.
“Ultimately, in my football career and in my short coaching career, I’ve had to adapt to different situations. I have built a library of experience.
“I didn’t want to stay in Manchester all my life. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”