Yesterday when Gary Neville signed a year extension to his current deal with Manchester United it answered a number of questions that hung over his head.
Many envisaged this to be Neville’s last season when he looked more than a little rusty upon returning from injury but slowly he has worked his way back up and silenced those that doubt him.
Yes it is more than obvious he is not the player he was but he is still able to put in top quality performances as shown against Man City where he was able to shackle the normally energetic Craig Bellamy. We are under no illusions about Neville and how much he can offer the club in terms of on field performances but as a whole, the fact he has signed on for another year will benefit United in more than it will be a hindrance.
Whenever our players talk about the club the names instantly mentioned are Giggs, Neville and Scholes, the local players who impart a sense of how important the club is. Neville is our first Greater Manchester born captain since 1960s and the love he has for United is there for all to see, the passion exudes from him especially against the likes of our rivals Liverpool and Man City and having someone like him around can only help other players comprehend the size of their job every time they pull on the United kit.
At 35 there is very little of the game Gary hasn’t seen and it’s this experience and knowledge that he can pass on to his young replacement Rafael that will be the making of the Brazilian. Rafael is already a good player but this season it has become more evident than ever he lacks experience. At just 19 who wouldn’t? But with Gary Neville to tutor him, he will be provided with the skills to go on and become one of the top right backs in the world.
When he first returned from injury such was the level of his performance, I personally thought he would bow out at the end of this season but the fact he is now being touted for a place in England’s World Cup squad speaks volumes for how well he has performed, his role next season will probably be reduced next season but simply having him around will be good enough.
Whilst acknowledging the outstanding contribution of gary neville to the cause i feel this new contract is not in the best interests of utd.In certain games this season he has looked well past his best and most annoyingly his handball which led to bayerns goal was a major factor in our defeat.At one time fergie was ruthless in his dealings with players who were approaching their useful time at old trafford, if he wants to keep him at utd maybe coaching is the best option.
Coaching is indeed an option but it is better to have a player embrace retirement than force him into it. If you force a player out the relationship will never be the same look at Roy Keane who just this week said he has wiped Man Utd from his memory.
Gary Neville made that mistake but he is far from done and can still do a job even in a limited capacity.
I’d rather have him around if he can still play than not.