2 - Gary Neville Profile

He joined Manchester United as an apprentice on leaving school in 1991, and captained the youth side to FA Youth Cup glory in his first season. He made his senior debut for United in September 1992 against Torpedo Moscow in the UEFA Cup. Gary emerged as part of Alex Ferguson's phenomenal youth-oriented side of the 1990s (nicknamed Fergie's Fledglings, an updated take on the 1950s equivalent Busby Babes) that included his brother Phil, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. He became a regular choice at right back in 1994 and has remained so ever since. In the summer of 2004 Neville signed a four-year contract with United.

In December 2005, Gary was appointed the new captain of Manchester United, following Roy Keane's departure.

In January 2006, his actions were the subject of some controversy after his celebration in front of the visiting Liverpool fans at Old Trafford, when he was seen to run from the half-way line towards the opposing fans to celebrate the 90th minute injury-time winning headed goal by United defender Rio Ferdinand. His actions were criticized by Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, sections of the media and police who blamed him for disturbances between fans after the game. He was subsequently charged with improper conduct by The Football Association. Neville contested this, asking if it was preferable for players to act like "robots" and show no emotions. He was fined £5,000 and warned about his future conduct.

Thus far, Gary Neville has won seven Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two European Cups and one League Cup, the last of which was his first trophy as captain.

Neville recovered from an injury suffered against Bolton in March 2007 and in his first match back, a reserve game against Everton in January 2008, he scored a rare goal in the 21st minute of the game which helped Manchester United to a 2-2 draw.

On 9 April 2008, Neville made his long-awaited comeback against Roma in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford as an 81st-minute substitute for Anderson. Neville was welcomed back to the pitch with a standing ovation, and was promptly given the captain's armband. It was Neville's 99th Champions League appearance. However, he was not selected for the European Cup final squad on 21 May, though he did join in with the post-match celebrations after United won on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Neville started his first game in seventeen months when he captained Manchester United for the 2008 FA Community Shield against Portsmouth on 10 August 2008. He then made another start against Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Super Cup, before making his first start at home since his injury against Villarreal in the opening group game of the UEFA Champions League 2008–09. On 21 September 2008, Neville started his first league game in almost 18 months when he played against Chelsea. Gary Neville extended his stay at Old Trafford until June 2010.

Related Gary Neville News

  • Neville hoping for Becks return

    Gary Neville is crossing his fingers David Beckham will make his testimonial night perfect by donning the Manchester United kit once more.

  • Neville - Time was right

    Gary Neville has shed light on his decision to finish his playing career, stating that it "didn't feel right" to carry on until the end of the season.

  • Neville calls it a day

    Manchester United have confirmed defender Gary Neville has announced his retirement from football.

  • Neville warning for Chelsea

    Gary Neville has warned Chelsea that Manchester United are exactly where they want to be in the Premier League title race.

  • Neville: Finances not our business

    Gary Neville insists Manchester United's players will not be affected by the off-field rumblings of discontent over the club's finances.

  • Fergie - Neville had to go

    Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson concedes that captain Gary Neville deserved to be sent off in their 2-0 win over Barnsley on Tuesday night.

  • Neville happy with CSKA win

    Manchester United captain Gary Neville was happy with his side's 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in Russia.

  • Neville salutes United spirit

    Gary Neville felt Manchester United’s hard work and quality paid off as they shrugged off the disappointment of going down to 10 men to beat Wolves 1-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup.

  • Duo escape FA charges

    Craig Bellamy and Gary Neville have received warnings from the Football Association following separate incidents in the Manchester derby but they will not face charges.

  • Neville acknowledges Euro victory

    Gary Neville felt it was vital to keep Besiktas' vociferous following quiet as Manchester United won their Champions League opener 1-0.