I recently read an article on another website talking about the qualities of former-England international full-back Gary Neville. Now opinion on the Manchester United star is split, outside Old Trafford of course.
Loyal
One of Neville’s main qualities has been his fierce loyalty to Manchester United. He has proved a great servant for the club, having come through the clubs youth ranks with the likes of Paul Scholes and David Beckham. He has been a constant figure in the United’s successful backline.
His loyalty has even stretched to the fact that he hates Scousers. That hasn’t endeared him to either side of Merseyside football divide. Both Everton and Liverpool fans have decided to return those negative feelings towards the full-back. While the likes of Leeds United and Manchester City fans have the same feeling towards him.
Winner
During his time as a player at Old Trafford he has won everything there is to win. He is Sir Alex’s general on the pitch. He almost acts like he’s a fan while warming the Manchester United substitute bench in recent months and years.
Drama
You get the feeling sometimes that Gary Neville enjoys the fact that a lot of fans hate him. He likes the drama that making snide remarks and causing trouble brings. He thrives on playing mind games with opposition fans and players. He is the player that opposition fans love to hate, yet he is thought of as one of the best full-backs England has ever produced.
International
When he appeared for England he was appreciated for being a good player. The club loyalties were never forgotten when he put that Three Lions shirt on but they were put to one side. The City, Liverpool and Leeds United fans didn’t like him but some would still support him because he was playing for England.
He always gave his all for his country until his international career was cut-short due to injury. However his love for United always overshadowed his love for his country. United is his club and he will always be identified with the club and vice-versa.
Decline
In the last few years the 35 year-old has made less and less appearances for United and has became a bit part player for the team. His absence from the team has been caused by injuries to his now ageing body, although his influence in the dressing room has not diminished.
I can imagine him to be an annoyance to his teammates, like a fan who has sneaked into the dressing room. Trying to get the best out of the other United players by shouting instructions and advice.
Extension
Despite spending a large amount of time on the treatment table in recent seasons, it’s believed that Neville will receive a new one year-contract this summer, when his current contract expires. It would be a fitting reward for a player who has represented his club and country with success pride and passion.
One last hurray for one of the aging pantomime villain’s of recent football history. Love him or hate him Gary Neville will go down as a Manchester United legend and as the man that brought Manchester City, Leeds United and Liverpool fans together.
With not enough characters left in the game Gary Neville is what football is about. He evokes both negative and positive emotions. Its players like Neville that makes us love the game and dedicate so much of our lives to football. There’s one thing for sure that when he hangs up his boots he will be missed.
With opinion on Gary Neville very much divided I’d like to know what our readers think of the Manchester United full-back.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
