Saturday 9 August 2014 13:11, UK
Phil Neville admits the 2013/14 season was 'an absolute disaster' for Manchester United and that he must share responsibility for that.
United, as the reigning Premier League champions, flopped spectacularly following the retirement of legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the appointment of David Moyes as his successor.
Neville, a product of the Old Trafford academy system, formed part of Moyes’ coaching staff and stayed on once Ryan Giggs was handed the reins on an interim basis towards the end of the campaign.
It was an absolute disaster from start to finish we must all take responsibility, not just David Moyes. I take responsibility and so does everyone involved.
He has turned down the opportunity to remain part of the set-up under Louis van Gaal, but concedes that he must shoulder some of the blame for a forgettable 12 months that have left the new United manager rebuilding on and off the field.
Neville said: “I was involved last year and last year was an absolute disaster.
“It was an absolute disaster from start to finish and we must all take responsibility, not just David Moyes. I take responsibility and so does everyone involved.”
Neville may have passed up the opportunity to help bring about a reversal in fortune, but he is convinced that United will fare considerably better than their seventh-placed standing from last term when the battle for top-flight supremacy resumes.
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He added: “I think we’re going to win the league. I’m sure that’s what Louis van Gaal will be saying to the players because second isn’t any good at Manchester United.
“For United, it’s finishing top, as Premier League champions. It’s about regrouping and all the lads have come back for pre-season and they look like they’re ready to win the league again.
“We’ve got a great chance this year because there’s no European football so we can concentrate solely on the league.
“And from what I saw in pre-season and the support we had, the club keeps getting bigger and bigger, and I think we’re on the right road again.”
