[Dirtycheat]

Neville faces comeback wait

Originally Posted by M.E.N.

GARY Neville admits he may not make his return to the United first team until next season.

The Reds captain has not appeared since suffering an ankle injury against Bolton last March.

Neville is back in full training and has played three reserve team matches since the turn of the year.

But with United chasing a league and European Cup double, he admits this is not the best time for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to ease him back into the fold.

“I've played three times for the reserves since the turn of the year and this is the longest run I've been on in terms of training and playing games,” Neville told Manchester United Radio.

“It's going to take time for me to get back to full match sharpness after being out for so long. I'm probably a little bit away from first-team sharpness but the only way I'll get that is by continuing to train with the first team.

“Hopefully I'll get a game somewhere but that could prove difficult with the significance of the matches we have over the next few weeks. I just have to hope and pray that I get my chance at some point.

“Usually when you're coming back from injury there's an opportunity to throw you back into the side - maybe in one of the cup competitions - but every game's so important now.”

Over the next month, United face key league games against Arsenal and Chelsea plus Roma in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Neville faces comeback wait - Manchester United - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News

well tbh id just be happy for him to make a comeback fullstop. I dont really care too much if its this season or next.

Wes brown hasnt been immense but he has been satisfactory and has done enough. Replacing him for a neville without a great deal of match fitness or sharpness might prove a costly mistake at this time of season.

However we have a massive fixture congestion if we do well in the CL so i wouldnt be surprised if he makes one or two sub appearances before a full comeback.

[Busby Boy]

I think that it's probably the wiser option that Gary returns next season, i don't see the benefit of playing Neville in the remaining games of the season, he could get injured again and make things worse. We've got Evra, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves who can play in the full-back positions so we've got cover this season...

...i do understand that plenty of United fans would like him to make a swift return, but personally i'd wait for Gary to return next season, at least Neville would have the summer and pre-season to make himself even fitter.

[cbud003]

Gary Neville is an excellent player but there's no need to hurry him back onto the first team. I fear that throwing Neville back into the fold could affect the chemistry and/or could risk a possible injury. I know Neville has been with United for a while but the games down the stretch are way too important. I think it may be best to put him on the shelf for the rest of the season.

[GocartMozart]

slightly old article i found while browsing. seems gazza thought he'd be back traveling with the team last week against bolton. clearly that didn't happen, but it's around the corner it seems

Gary Neville aims for return at Bolton - Football News - Telegraph

Gary Neville aims for return at Bolton
Gary Neville has targeted a Premier League return against Bolton next Wednesday - a year and two days after his injury nightmare began against the same opponents.

The Manchester United captain, sidelined since suffering a calf injury in the 4-1 win against Bolton last March, has proved his fitness with a series of reserve outings in recent weeks.
Back in action: Gary Neville


The 85-times capped England defender underlined his recovery with a 73-minute run-out for the second string against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Neville, 33, could be ready for a recall to the squad for the trip to bottom club Derby tomorrow, but he admits that he wants to be back in the first-team picture in time for Bolton's visit to Old Trafford next Wednesday night.

"By next week I'd like to be involved with the first team, even if it's just travelling with the side and being part of it again," he said.

"It's great to be playing football again. The Sunderland match was my second reserve game in a couple of weeks and I seem to have come through it OK".

The financial future of FA Cup semi-finalists Cardiff was still hanging in the balance last night after a High Court judge delayed his ruling on a move by bankers to force immediate repayment of loans worth £24 million. Judgment may be given next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth administrator Gerald Krasner has accepted a "seven-figure" bid for the club from a consortium led by chairman Jeff Mostyn.


Letters will be sent out to creditors with a meeting scheduled for April.

[simpsom]

its the remaining match is too crucial..there is no point to take a risk..
its a waste that he cant cameback yet...
maybe the last match??

[ZEUS]

If we will win the EPL and will have left one or two games, then Neville could return to the first team action for half an hour or so. We have to take it easy, as Gary is not that young.

[Dirtycheat]

Originally Posted by GocartMozart

slightly old article i found while browsing. seems gazza thought he'd be back traveling with the team last week against bolton. clearly that didn't happen, but it's around the corner it seems

Gary Neville aims for return at Bolton - Football News - Telegraph

He also didnt play in the last reserve game because he was apparently on standby to play vs villa.

He is going to be close, i think fergie doesnt want to take any risks with him at this stage of the season.

[GocartMozart]

It's tough to think of him riding the bench either. He's not a flexible player because he can only really play one position on a world class level. On the bench I prefer to have a utility man, something like Hargo, Pique or O'Shea. What you lose in all out quality, you get in straight flexibility positionally with al three able to slot in across the back. I don't se him making an appearance in the next two weeks until we either win the title with a game to go or in a CL game where Fergie has extra subs. Maybe Tuesday is the day.