Gary Neville's Monday Night Football absence explained amid Sky Sports change

Gary Neville has been gradually stepping away from his Monday Night Football role to pursue new opportunities in the United States, mainly providing Premier League coverage for NBC Sports.

The former Manchester United captain has been a mainstay on MNF since replacing Andy Gray as the match analyst for the 2011/12 season, eventually co-hosting with Ed Chamberlin in 2014, and then Jamie Carragher in 2015.

Despite their contrasting views, United legend Neville and Liverpool hero Carragher have forged a strong partnership on screen. Nonetheless, Neville's appearances on MNF have decreased of late, with his last on the show dating back to mid-August, leaving Carragher to take charge solo.

In a conversation with Rebecca Lowe on the Overlap US YouTube channel, Neville shared insights into his current work schedule: "So tomorrow, I'm expected to do set-pieces, whereas with Sky, on Monday Night Football, there are some set pieces which I prepare for - but now I don't do Monday Night Football anymore. I don't do set-pieces any more."

Neville's shift from MNF duties began last year, giving Carragher a more prominent role – a shift that has been more noticeable this season. Although Neville may still make guest appearances, MNF is aimed to adapt by introducing special guests instead of relying on the established Neville-Carragher team. Neville and Sky reportedly agree on these changes, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Neville is anticipated to occasionally serve as a co-commentator, but it's unlikely he'll be in the studio with Carragher and other pundits. Despite this, Neville remains a key figure among Sky's football pundits, continuing his appearances on Friday Night Football - which tonight features Nottingham Forest at Leicester City (8pm) - Saturday Night Football and Super Sunday broadcasts - while also contributing to other Sky Sports Football projects.

In a partnership between Sky Sports and NBC, Neville is slated to be a part of NBC Sports' Premier League coverage every Sunday of the 2024/25 season. However, it's understood that he will primarily do so through his live appearances for Sky Sports.

Sky Sports is also finalising arrangements for Neville to work from NBC's live New York studio for up to four weekends this season, including two appearances before Christmas. English fans won't miss out on his top-notch coverage, as the selected dates are not expected to coincide with any major Premier League clashes.

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