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Man Utd news: BBC Sport pundit Phil Neville - Why I avoid Manchester United games
MANCHESTER UNITED hero Phil Neville says he avoids covering his old club’s games when possible.
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The former England man emerged from the Red Devils’ youth system in 1992 alongside his brother Gary, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.
And he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League and four other trophies before leaving United for Everton 13 years later.
Neville has made the move into punditry since hanging up his boots in 2013 and often works for BBC Sport.
The 40-year-old has now revealed why he’s not too keen on covering United’s matches.
I don’t enjoy watching United as a pundit because it puts me in a position where I potentially have to talk badly about a player in my team
"For me, it’s not nice being a pundit on United, because you dread United losing even more than I already would do, because you’ve got to go on the television and speak as a neutral about a team that you don’t want to criticise," Neville explained at a Class of 92 event organised by Adidas.
"Like recently, when United got beaten by Huddersfield, Jose [Mourinho] questioned the desire and attitude of the players, and you’ve got to discuss that, and probably criticise some of the team.
"So I always try to stay clear of Manchester United games as a pundit - you feel as if you can’t be a neutral because ultimately I love this football club.
Phil Neville has moved into punditry since calling time on his playing career in 2013
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Manchester United hero Phil Neville was among the Class of 92 with David Beckham and Gary Neville
"I don’t enjoy watching United as a pundit because it puts me in a position where I potentially have to talk badly about a player in my team."
Neville will be hoping United get back to winning ways when they return to Premier League action at the weekend.
Jose Mourinho’s men welcome Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United to Manchester on Saturday (5.30pm).
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