Gary Alexander Neville is a rare example of
one-club man who made 602 appearances and scored 7 goals, before hanging his
boots in 2011 and becoming a prominent TV pundit. In 19 seasons, the older of
the Neville brothers won 21 trophies, including 8 Premier League, 3 FA Cup and
2 Champions League. To round up a marvelous career, he added 85 England caps to
his name. Gary Neville was appointed by England football national team manager Roy
Hodgson as assistant coach in 2012.
Phillip John Neville made 386 appearances and
scored 8 goals before moving to Everton in a reported £3.5 million deal in search of more minutes of pitch time. His versatility
made him soon an instrumental player for the Toffees and eventually became
their captain. During his spell at Old Trafford, Phil Neville won 14 trophies,
including 6 Premier League, 3 FA Cup and 1 Champions League.
Rafael Pereira Da Silva has established himself
as Manchester United’s first-choice at right back this season following a
string or consistent performances. Last summer was a turning point for Rafael,
as he made his debut for Brazil’s senior squad and won a silver medal at London’s
2012 Olympics. After four seasons of lights and shadows he has finally
fulfilled his potential becoming one of the best full backs of the Premier
League.
Fábio Pereira Da Silva has seen his career at
Manchester United marred by injuries. Although he started in the 2011 Champions
League final and made his debut for Brazil’s senior team soon afterwards, his
chances have always been limited by a fierce competition from left-back regular
incumbent Patrice Evra, so last summer he wisely decided to go on loan for a
full season to Queen’s Park Rangers, where he has made 17 appearances and
scored a goal in all competition so far.
William David Keane is a proven goal scorer who,
because of his talent to be in the right place at the right time, has been compared
to both Spanish and Norwegian legends Raúl González and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Will Keane has already featured three times for England Under-21 and made his
debut in the Premier League in the shock 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Old
Trafford on December 2011. However, his unstoppable path to professional
football was dramatically halted the last summer, as the striker sustained a
horrific injury, while being on international duty with England Under-19, which
has prevented him from playing any minute this season. Fortunately, it looks
like William is on his way back and could be playing with the Reserves in a few
weeks.
Drawing a comparison between Gary Neville and
Michael Vincent Keane seems inevitable. Both are die-hard United fans since
childhood, play at right back and have progressed through the ranks because of
their hard work and determination. Michael Keane made his debut on the 3-0 win
at Aldershot Town and is now an England Under-19 international after having
previously represented Ireland. The no-nonsense defender is enjoying a
brilliant season, as he played twice with Manchester United in the League Cup
against top-flight opposition (2-1 win vs. Newcastle United and 5-4 loss vs.
Chelsea) prior to be loaned to Championship’s Leicester City, where he is
impressing week in and week out.
The Keane brothers guided Manchester United
Reserves to a remarkable treble in the 2011-12 season, including the Premier
Reserve League North, the Premier Reserve League National and the Manchester
Senior Cup, with Will netting 19 times in the process and Michael wrapping up
his brilliant season by achieving a fully deserved Reserve Player of the Year
Award.
Writer: Juan Manuel @theredinsider
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