Gary Neville will don the Manchester United armband again after becoming the latest star to be included in this month’s legends match against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The full-back made more than 600 appearances during his 19-year United career, winning every major honour, including eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues. As a boyhood Red Devil, he also enjoyed winding up Liverpool, both throughout his playing career and in his role as Sky Sports pundit.
His most infamous moment against United’s arch rivals came in 2006 when after a last-gasp Rio Ferdinand goal, Neville proceeded to celebrate directly in front of the crest-fallen away end. Neville was fined £10,000 for the incident - but did he care? "It was worth a 120-match ban!," he told Sky Sports.
“It was probably one of the best moments because we were struggling at the time, we hadn't won the league for three years and it just felt like one of the best moments we had in a couple of years."
Neville will lead out the United legends when they take on their counterparts from Merseyside in the ‘Legends of the North’ charity match on May 21. The home side will be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest captain Bryan Robson and have a host of greats within their ranks.
Along with Neville; fellow Class of 92 graduates Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt will be playing, while other players include Patrice Evra, Dimitar Berbatov and Dwight Yorke. All proceeds from the game will go to the Manchester United Foundation for its work with young people.
“I’m really looking forward to stepping back out on the pitch and catching up with lads who I shared many great moments with,” Neville explained. “But we know the reason we’re doing this is for the benefit of the Foundation.
“I’m passionate about supporting young people in Greater Manchester and giving them opportunity to succeed in life, and I know the Foundation does that so well. I’ve no doubt that United fans will come out in their numbers to support a great cause and I look forward to seeing them on 21st May.”
A bumper crowd is expected for the game and John Shiels MBE, chief executive of Manchester United Foundation, said: “These matches are a fantastic opportunity for fans to see legends of the game back in action, but more importantly, it’s the chance to make a difference to young people in our communities who have really suffered during the pandemic.
"More children than ever are living below the poverty line – in Manchester and Oldham the number of children living in poverty has increased by 53% and 84% respectively from 2016 to 2021 – and this is likely to increase again due to the rise in living and energy costs.
“Many children are also suffering with their mental health, so your support through events like this is vital to help Manchester United Foundation deliver life-changing programmes and really make a difference to their futures.”
For more information and tickets please visit www.manutd.com/legends. All proceeds from the Old Trafford match will go to Manchester United Foundation’s work with young people across Greater Manchester.
