Neville: Where Are You Skipper? …
Skipper Gary Neville has not played for United since hobbling out of a home game against Blackburn last March.
He was last seen gingerly dancing a jig after receiving his Premiership winner’s medal but has been unable to play any meaningful role in United’s colours since.
The defender confirmed only last month that he hoped to be fit for the new season. He said: “I had an operation on my ankle about five to six weeks ago. I have been training really hard and feeling really strong and hoping I am fit for the start of the season because I am longing to play.
“I need to get fit as soon as possible because I love playing for Manchester United.”
But Neville’s hopes were in vain.
Should what used to be a concern now be raised to the status of genuine worry? When will the 32 year old skipper return?
The question is all the more important as Neville, despite his many detractors, has been the best English right back for a decade. His attributes going forward, his ability to link up with first Beckham and later Ronaldo and his crossing ability deserve the greatest credit.
Never have such talents been missed as they are now. Wes Brown is a solid Fergie soldier but he offers little of the forward enterprise for which Neville is known.
Worse, his defensive skills might soon be in question too. Portsmouth opened United up in the second half once they began to exploit Brown’s frailties. He was seriously discomforted by the limited Benjani. The ease with which the Zimbabwean forward slipped past the defender and crossed for Nugent, who just failed to convert the chance, ought to have worried Sir Alex as much as it delighted Pompey’s Harry Redknapp.
Brown is surely a better centre half than fullback and it is to his credit that he deputises for Neville seemingly without complaint. His versatility is such that United can play a back three of Brown, Vidic and Ferdinand when the need arises to chase a game.
Nevertheless, United are a much better unit when Neville is stationed on the right flank. Get well soon skipper. United need you.
