Gary Neville to step aside from Sky Sports role as MNF absence explained

Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England star, is making changes in his career priorities at Sky Sports. He has been noticeably absent from Monday Night Football since August, indicating a step back from his role. Neville expressed his desire to focus more on ventures in the US, such as The Overlap US and contributing to NBC Sports’ Premier League broadcasts.

Having taken on the role of match analyst for MNF at the start of the 2011/12 season, alongside Ed Chamberlin and later Jamie Carragher, Neville has been a prominent figure in football punditry. However, his absence from MNF has become more pronounced, with Carragher taking on a more leading role. Neville recently mentioned in an interview that he is no longer preparing for set-pieces for MNF, signifying a shift in his responsibilities.

While Neville may make occasional appearances on MNF in the future, the show is expected to feature a variety of special guests rather than focusing solely on the partnership between Neville and Carragher. Despite this change, Neville remains a crucial figure among Sky’s football pundits, continuing to feature on Friday Night Football, Saturday Night Football, and Super Sunday broadcasts.

Furthermore, in a collaborative effort between Sky Sports and NBC, Neville is set to host NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage every Sunday for the 2024/25 season, primarily through live appearances for Sky Sports. Plans are being finalised for Neville to work from NBC’s live studio in New York for up to four weekends this season.

English football fans can rest assured that Neville’s coverage will still be available, with his appearances not coinciding with major Premier League clashes. Neville’s evolving role reflects his commitment to exploring new opportunities while maintaining his presence in the world of football broadcasting.

Overall, Neville’s decision to step aside from his MNF role at Sky Sports marks a new chapter in his broadcasting career, allowing him to pursue diverse projects and partnerships both in the UK and internationally. His continued involvement in football punditry ensures that fans can still enjoy his insightful analysis and commentary across a range of platforms.