MLS news: O’Brien to Sheffield United, Neville under pressure, Martinez’s new contract

Today’s MLS news includes D.C. United’s Lewis O’Brien being linked with Sheffield United, Phil Neville is under pressure at Inter Miami and Jose Martinez is set to stay at the Philadelphia Union. 

MLS news: Lewis O’Brien to Sheffield United

Lewis O’Brien has got some much-needed game time whilst on loan at D.C. United from Nottingham Forest. He has started in Wayne Rooney’s last nine lineups and he has managed to get a goal and an assist.

Moving to America seems to have given O’Brien a new lease on life after he was frozen out by Steve Cooper at Forest. Cooper’s side managed to stay in the Premier League without O’Brien but a return to England soccer’s top flight could still be on the cards for the midfielder.

According to The Sun, “O’Brien is back on the radar of Premier League new boys Sheffield United. The Blades were keen on landing the midfield dynamo in January’s window but were unable to sign players due to a transfer embargo.”

The Blades earned promotion from the Championship after finishing second to Burnley this season. Forest might be reluctant to sell O’Brien to a side they will likely battle against to stay in the division during the next campaign.

O’Brien’s loan at D.C expires this July which would be the perfect time for him to start pre-season with a new club in England. His first season in the Premier League was disappointing as he only made 13 appearances but he will be vying to get another crack at the competition.

MLS news: Phil Neville under pressure

Inter Miami are currently at the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference and lost to CF Montreal last Saturday. The result has put even more pressure on their head coach Phil Neville. The Herons have now lost their last three league games and if results do not improve then owner David Beckham will have no choice but to fire his friend.

Neville was quoted in The Daily Mail saying how frustrated he was at the defeat to Montreal. “They’re really angry. I’m angry. It’s a game we should be winning with the chances we created, the moments that we had. We had three or four incredible opportunities, and with a little more composure, we score goals.”

MLS news: Jose Martinez to stay at Philadelphia

Jose Martinez who has been linked in the past with a move to Europe is set to stay with the Philadelphia Union. MLS Insider, Tom Bogert, revealed “Philadelphia Union, midfielder Jose Martinez is nearing a contract extension. Martinez, 28, was the subject of bids from Besiktas in the winter and it was unclear if he’d remain in Philly, but a new deal will secure his future. Among best DMs (defensive midfielders) in MLS.”

The Philadelphia Union lost in the MLS Cup final on penalties to Los Angeles FC last year. Jim Curtin’s side is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference and will be looking to go one better and win the competition this season.