David Beckham sacked me - now I'm chasing a Man United reunion and revenge on the big stage

Sixteen months ago Phil Neville was sacked by one of his best mates - now he's aiming to set up a reunion with David Beckham's Inter Miami in the MLS play-offs.

Neville was axed by Beckham in June last year after a poor run of results, he was then appointed by Portland Timbers and has led them to ninth place in the MLS East and a wildcard game against Vancouver in the early hours of Thursday morning (3.30am UK time).

Win that and it's the play-offs proper, with Lionel Messi's Miami the favourites for the title and sitting on the other side of the draw. It would be a tall order for Portland to navigate their way to the final, where Miami may well be waiting.

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But for a man of Neville's background, perhaps unsurprisingly he has loftier aims than making up the numbers. "Finishing ninth is not where we want to be," he said. "We want to set the bar really high with our expectations.

"We are looking forward to the game, you have to enjoy the game and the moments. It is time for us to deliver. We are just excited. In these games you have to remain calm and I can see an extra edge to the players and there is energy around the building."

Neville did reach the play-offs with Miami in his second season, but his side were defeated 3-0 by New York at the first hurdle. That came before a poor 2023 campaign, which ultimately led to his good pal Beckham pulling the trigger.

“I knew the end was coming well before the time," he said, speaking about the decision earlier this year. "It was pretty obvious to everyone in and around the football club. We had to have some