Antonio Valencia backs Gary Neville to succeed as a Premier League manager

Antonio Valencia has backed Gary Neville to make a successful return to management in the Premier League, arguing that the pundit’s communication skills and leadership qualities make him well-suited to top-flight coaching.

Neville has previous experience in the dugout, serving as an assistant to Roy Hodgson with England before taking his only senior head-coaching role at Valencia in December 2015. The appointment proved short-lived — he won just 10 of 28 games in La Liga and was sacked the following March after little more than three months in charge.

Valencia, who played under Neville at Old Trafford during their shared years at Manchester United, believes the circumstances in Spain were a significant factor in that failure. “He obviously had a brief period as a manager, where things didn’t work out for him at Valencia,” the Ecuadorian winger said. “I think he lacked big names within that squad, and he wasn’t able to bring in the players he’d have wanted, which is why he struggled.”

Despite that setback, Valencia is convinced Neville retains the attributes to thrive given the right environment. “I would love to see him back in management, even in the Premier League, because he’s a passionate guy who has a lot to say and give. I think he’d do a great job as a manager now.”

Valencia was also complimentary about Neville’s broader career trajectory. “I could see very early on that he was a great communicator, a leader. I think he’s one of the best at what he does.”

A move into Premier League management would naturally raise questions about Neville’s long-standing role as a television pundit, where he has become one of the most prominent voices in English football coverage. He currently works alongside Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

Valencia also namechecked another former United colleague as a potential future manager. “Someone like Nemanja Vidic I would expect to be a great manager. He has a great personality for that kind of role — similar to Wayne Rooney.”