Neville’s career has been on the ropes for the best part of two years, and many thought his latest long-term injury would mark the end of an illustrious career at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old spent 13 months on the sidelines after damaging his ankle during a Premier League clash with Bolton Wanderers in March 2007. His comeback, a substitute showing against Roma in the Champions League semi-finals, was his only appearance last season.
In that time, Wes Brown established himself as one of the most consistent right-backs in England. Although Neville seems to have leapfrogged his international colleague in the pecking order for the time being, a new threat to his position is fast emerging.
That would be Rafael da Silva, the 18-year-old Brazilian who scored a pearler against Arsenal last weekend after replacing his well-beaten skipper just after the hour.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been effusive in his praise of Rafael, whose twin brother, Fabio, is also tipped for superstardom with the Red Devils. And with Neville struggling for form at the moment, the young wing-back could receive plenty of opportunities in the coming months.
But Bury’s favourite son will not give up his place that easily.
“I just need games. Having been out for so long, I need a run of five, six or seven matches,” Neville said in The Sun.
“It?s just a case of remaining patient, keeping fit and training well every day.”
However, with United struggling to match early pace-setters Chelsea and Liverpool in the title race, it is uncertain how long Ferguson’s patience will last.
And, as a proud one-club man whose England career appears all but over, it could be the end of the road for Gary Neville the footballer.
Heinze Pans Fergie’s ‘Fiction’
McClaren Wants A Race To Victory
Neville Content With Benched Recovery
Carrick: Ferguson Has His Own Agenda For Internationals
Keane quiet on Vieira link
Neville Content With Benched Recovery