Phil Neville’s Inter Miami finally end nightmare run of defeats with draw against Philadelphia Union as co-owner David Beckham casts his eye over rock-bottom MLS side… but under-fire manager insists Becks NEVER doubted him
- Phil Neville’s Inter Miami have finally ended their run of six defeats on the spin
- The former England women’s coach has been under pressure with the MLS side
- Wednesday’s 5-0 defeat to New England put Miami rock bottom of the league
- David Beckham was in attendance as Miami secured a point against Philadelphia
- Neville insisted Beckham has always backed him through his side’s slump
Phil Neville‘s Inter Miami ended their nightmare run of six defeats on the trot with a draw against Philadelphia Union, but the former Man United star was left to rue two dropped points with David Beckham in attendance.
Phil Neville’s Inter Miami finally ended their run of defeats with a draw on Sunday
Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner, was pictured at the DRV PNK Stadium with a new bleached blonde look on Sunday, with pressure on Neville to turn things around after a torrid run of results saw the new MLS side rock bottom of the league.
The former England captain’s presence in the stands appeared to have a positive impact on the side and they were good value for their lead when Robbie Robinson put them in front after 71 minutes.
However, Neville’s side were denied all three points when Union equalised with five minutes remaining thanks to a strike from Kacper Przybylko.
Neville reflected that Beckham’s ‘presence is vital’ before insisting that the club’s leadership had never doubted him, despite their crushing 5-0 defeat at home to New England in midweek.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was in the stands to cast his eye over the strugglers
The former England captain attended the game following his side’s 5-0 crushing in midweek
‘David’s presence is vital, and it shows that we are all in it together,’ he said via The Sun. ‘Since the defeat on Wednesday is a collective togetherness that even surprised me, in terms of the ownership and all of the staff.
‘We still need to improve in many things and the strength of the ownership makes this football club. Never once have they doubted me.’
Strong performances from the likes of ex-Premier League star Ryan Shawcross and Brazilian midfielder Gregore have left Neville confident that his under-fire side are on the right track.
Inter Miami were good value for their lead when Robbie Robinson scored after 71 minutes
However, Miami were denied all three points when Philadelphia Union equalised on 85 minutes
‘I am massively proud of the players, we deserved a win but the attitude was everything you wanted to see in a team,’ Neville added.
‘It has been a really tough few days but I saw hurt in the players’ eyes and they gave me a performance. I just wanted to see a group who would fight for each other and make the fans proud.
‘We are hurting, the ownership are hurting and we wanted the three points but what gives me pride is that we didn’t just play the long ball. We had an identity everyone enjoyed watching.
Neville said he was ‘proud’ of his side and insisted that Beckham ‘never’ doubted his coaching
The Inter Miami coach was roped in by Beckham in January with the MLS newbies struggling
‘It’s baby steps – a foundation – but it’s just a start. We didn’t get our rewards but we will do. That’s all I ask for. We have been criticized and rightly so but the players deserve praise after this.’
Former Premier League stars Kieran Gibbs and Gonzalo Higuain also featured in Sunday’s game, with the Argentine previously drawing criticism from Neville for his lack of fitness.
However, the ex-Chelsea striker played a pivotal role in Miami’s only goal of the game, with his sublime touch helping set up Robinson for his strike.
Neville’s side return to action at the DRV PNK Stadium next Sunday when they face seventh-place Montreal.
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