Gary Neville's Monday Night Football absences explained after Sky Sports change

Gary Neville has been taking a gradual step back from his role on Monday Night Football to focus on new ventures in the United States, including Premier League coverage with NBC Sports.

The ex-Manchester United skipper has been a fixture on MNF since the 2011/12 season, when he took over Andy Gray's position as match analyst. By 2014, he was co-presenting with Ed Chamberlin, before Jamie Carragher joined the show the following year.

Despite differing opinions, Neville and Carragher have formed a strong on-screen partnership. However, Neville's presence on MNF has waned recently, with his last appearance dating back to mid-August - leaving Carragher to helm the show without his punditry pal.

READ MORE: How Gary Neville's 'throwaway' comment inspired a new global Manchester festival

READ MORE: Manchester United fans angry and disappointed after 'shocking' Sir Jim Ratcliffe change

Speaking to Rebecca Lowe on the Overlap US YouTube channel, Neville explained: "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 began reducing his MNF commitments last year, allowing Carragher more of a leading role, a change that has become increasingly evident this season, reports Mirror Football. While Neville might still make occasional appearances, the show is expected to shift its focus towards featuring special guests rather than relying on the longstanding Neville-Carragher duo which was prevalent in years gone by. It is also understood that Neville and Sky see eye-to-eye on the change of arrangements.

Neville is expected 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, 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.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Watch the Premier League season Watch all the action of the 2023/2024 Premier League season

The football season is now upon us and with 500 live games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL and the NBA across eight dedicated channels, Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action.

Get Sky Sports for £22 a month

Sky Sports Get it here