Gary Neville had a remarkable career at Manchester United, playing 602 times for the club and winning 21 trophies before retiring in 2011. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Neville revealed his greatest Manchester United teammates XI, which notably excludes players like Eric Cantona, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, and even his brother Phil Neville. So, who did Neville select ahead of these talented players?
Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel
Games played with Neville: 183
“It was either Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar. They were the two great goalkeepers I played with. I just went with Schemichel because he redefined goalkeeping in the ’90s. The way he distributed the ball, threw the ball… the big saves he used to make… I felt he redesigned goalkeeping and was the best goalkeeper in the world at the time.”
Right-back – Denis Irwin
Games played with Neville: 232
“He is the greatest full-back that I’ve ever seen.” – Gary Neville
Centre-back – Rio Ferdinand
Games played with Neville: 200
Rio Ferdinand played a total of 200 times alongside his compatriot. The centre-back emerged as the most expensive British player at the time of his arrival – and he certainly lived up to his billing as the capture of the Englishman can be deemed a stroke of genius.
Widely classed as one of the best defenders of the Premier League era, his ball-playing ability was a cut above the rest – and that’s before considering his natural defensive acumen. His composure allowed him to remain one of the calmest figures on the pitch – more often than not, alongside his partner-in-crime, Nemanja Vidic.
Centre-back – Nemanja Vidic
Games played with Neville: 79
“The centre-backs is one of the more difficult areas. We had Jaap Stam, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister. But I thought Vidic and Ferdinand’s partnership was the best in the world when we got to three Champions League finals in four years between 2008-2011. So I went for those two.”
Left-back – Patrice Evra
“He was an amazing character – played in the 2008 Champions League team.”
Patrice Evra’s transition from a football pitch to television screens has been seamless, but it’s important not to overlook his on-field brilliance during his time at Manchester United. Despite a shaky start, Evra’s passion and commitment endeared him to fans, ultimately solidifying his status as a club legend when he departed in 2014. Neville, who only played alongside Evra 76 times, still chose him for his greatest Manchester United teammates XI. Known as one of the best January signings in Premier League history, Evra’s tenure at Old Trafford was marked by numerous victories, including five Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
Games played with Neville: 76
Right midfield – David Beckham
“He was the best crosser, best dribbler.” – Gary Neville
Games played with Neville: 382
Centre midfield – Paul Scholes
“He was a passer, a goalscorer, a coordinator.”
A crucial component of the renowned ‘Class of 92’, this midfielder epitomized the essence of a one-club man, showcasing unparalleled game control, precision passing – notably over long distances, and a knack for delivering stunning goals. With an impressive tally of 716 appearances for Manchester United, 472 of which were alongside Neville, he amassed a remarkable collection of 25 trophies during his tenure at the club.
Games played with Neville: 472
Centre midfield – Roy Keane
“He was the most inspirational football player that I played with.”
Games played with Neville: 321
Left midfield – Ryan Giggs
“Giggs was the best dribbler and could score goals.”
Games played with Neville: 437
Striker: Wayne Rooney
Following the club’s record-holder for most appearances, Neville pairs with the lethal Rooney – Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer. The fiery Englishman illuminated stadiums nationwide during his tenure under Ferguson, epitomizing the ethos of the club.
A relentless talent who struck terror into the hearts of defenders, the Scouser departed Old Trafford as one of the premier strikers in the league’s history – his statistics speak for themselves. Across 559 matches for Manchester United, Rooney found the net 253 times and provided an additional 145 assists, forging formidable partnerships with whomever Ferguson enlisted.
Games played with Neville: 155
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
“I had a big problem up front. You’ve got Eric Cantona, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo. But Rooney and Ronaldo between 2007-2010. I’ve never seen anything like it. The speed, the quality, the physicality, the goals, the assists, the running. Everything was perfection when they were playing up front.”
Games played with Neville: 139