Gary Neville Comments on Potential Manchester United Job and New Valencia Role

New Valencia coach Gary Neville has proclaimed he has no ambition to one day take charge of Manchester United, as the pressure mounts on Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal. 

The Old Trafford legend told journalist Guillem Balague (h/t Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports) he is fully focused on his new role in Spain, and has long-term ambitions for his coaching career at the Mestalla:

"

No, I don't see myself managing Manchester United at all. I know what I want to do in my life, and that's not something that's in my mind.

From my point of view, this is important for me and a valuable experience. I'm aware I need to succeed. Succeeding for me would be knowing these players have improved dramatically.

Results come and go, I know we're in a results-driven business, but I have never looked at football like that since I've finished playing. I did when I was a player. As a part-owner, I think about moving forward in the next five, ten years.

"

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Neville's assertion that he has no intention of managing United will upset supporters at the Theatre of Dreams, as the goodwill has now evaporated for Van Gaal.

The England assistant coach told Balague he wants to play a progressive style with his new club, and desires Valencia to operate with attacking verve, per Surlis:

"

[I want] a front-foot team, one that pressurizes and wins the ball as high up the pitch as possible.

One that plays quickly, with a high tempo. One that goes forward, but with a little bit more sense than we did against Lyon!

But I'd prefer that be that way than with a group of older players that drop towards their own box. I can work with that, the intent is there to attack, to do the positives things. We can always come back, rather than thinking we've got to push them up the pitch, which is the hardest thing to do.

"

JOSE JORDAN/Getty Images

Neville also gave his thoughts on managers who are focused on possession, rather than the fundamentals of attacking an opponent. United have been criticised for moving the ball through the field too slowly, and the former pundit said his side will take a more positive tactical approach, per Surlis: 

"There are some coaches who have a huge emphasis on possession. I have a huge emphasis on possession but I like to counter-attack as well. So I don't say I'm a possession coach or counter-attack. I'm not a one-style coach."

United's lack of style has now clashed with results, and the north-west club have no victories in their last five games in all competitions, according to WhoScored.com.

Darko Bandic/Associated Press

There is an ambition from fans to see the club return to the stylistic qualities that were present during Sir Alex Ferguson's years in charge, with names such as Pep Guardiola mentioned as the next coach, per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney. 

However, Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World claimed the Red Devils have no intention of approaching the Spaniard soon:

Carlo Ancelotti has thrown his hat into the ring, and said he is considering returning to management in the summer. He added he would be interested if United call him about a potential managerial vacancy, per the Independent's Mark Ogden: 

"

I will continue to wait. If I don’t find a club with a good project, I can wait. What will I do? Watching games, fishing, all these things. But let us see next summer. I will not take a job in mid-season, but I would like to work again next summer.

[...]

Of course, for every manager, they would all think of managing Manchester United.

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Jon Super/Associated Press

As Neville's managerial career begins in earnest, LvG's time at United could be coming to a bitter end. The Dutchman has often left his former clubs under a cloud, but his legacy has ensured success for future coaches. 

United were in a mess when Van Gaal arrived, and he has stabilised parts of the club with a new approach behind the scenes.

However, he does not have a mandate to entertain, and as soon as results turned for the worst, he was always going to lose the support from a set of fans who demand success.

Neville may say he has no ambition to coach United at present, but if he is ever offered the position at Old Trafford, it would be impossible for the former club captain to say no.