Making his senior debut in 1992, Gary Neville has been an important part for Manchester United’s defense as well as England. Started his career as a center back, Neville was then moved into a wider role as he was too short and skinny to play at the center. Gary, along with his brother Phillip, his best friend off the pitch, David Beckham, with Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes was part of Alex Ferguson’s phenomenal “Class of ‘92” squad. A squad that earned its highly regarded reputation for its entertaining offensive football and energetic youth.

During his early career, Gary was the one defender that Peter Schmeichel used to yell at. Peter’s schooling helped to build Gary’s character and leadership. Throughout the years Gary has developed into one of the most solid defender in the world. Added to that is Gary’s ability to deliver highly precise crosses as a defender. His duet with best friend David Beckham in the 90’s was one of the most deadly and dynamic right back-right winger duo in the world.

In December of 2005, following the departure of Roy Keane, Gary was then appointed as Manchester United’s captain. The skinny young English lad who used to get yelled at is now the one who does all the yelling and directing. Gary helped the character building of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as captain. He yelled at both of them whenever they make a mistake and they respect him. One particular moment is that when Gary hacked Ronaldo at the back of his head for dribbling to much, in that same match Ronaldo then showed one of his most brilliant performance, making 2 assists and a goal. Gary, being a fair captain that he is then congratulate Ronaldo at the end of the match. The love and hate relationship between both of them during Ronaldo’s early stint at Old Trafford was apparent, tough Gary was the one who always yelled at Ronaldo, it was him who suggested to Fergie to buy Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. Whatever happened in the past stays in the past, now both Gary and Ronaldo respected each other, Ronaldo knows that Gary’s mentoring helped him grow from a wonder-kid into one lethat footballer.

Being one of United’s longest serving and most influential player, Gary was also one of the most hated figure outside the Old Trafford’s regular supporters. Once he was fined 5000 pounds after showing his emotions on the pitch following a late goal against the Red scousers. But when he plays for England, everybody in England knows that they have one of the most solid right back guarding their defense. Gary Neville has been an England right back regulars for the last 13 years, and it seems he will add more to that in years to come.

At only 32, Gary has served both Manchester United and England for more than a decade in the highest competition. Manchester United fans have seen a young lad developed through the years into a solid leader. With his brother Phil (now at Everton), the name “Neville” will be a name that is forever associated with Manchester United.

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