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.
