Nev backed as Miami’s hopes end

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DAVID BECKHAM looked on as Inter Miami’s play-off hopes were finally crushed last night.

Phil Neville’s team went into the last game of the regular MLS season needing a footballing miracle to extend a disappointing second campaign.

But Becks, in south Florida after a spell back home, saw his boys crash 3-1 to play-off-bound New York City FC.

Valentin Castellanos notched the opener for New York, and scored again in the second half to regain the lead after Nicolas

Figal had drawn the home side level on 56 minutes.

Talles Magno sealed the deal late on.

Neville (right) needed maximum points from the last two games and other results to go their way but a 17th loss of the season killed off any lingering dreams.

Beckham has been frustrated at seeing his wildly inconsistent franchise struggle – two long winless streaks this term have been very costly – but is backing former Manchester United team-mate Nev to turn things around next season.

It won’t be easy with MLS bosses stripping Inter Miami of transfer money after financial irregularities following the signing of French World Cup Blaise Matuidi last August.

Neville said:“i’d be lying if I said that I didn’t expect to finish higher. So I’m disappointed at that and take responsibility.

“But I honestly can’t wait to attack next season as quickly as possible.

“We’ve got great plans and this football club will continue to grow.

“I spoke with the owners this week in terms of their expectations and their ambitions, and it hasn’t changed from day one. They want to win. They want to compete, and that’s where we are really aligned.”