Debate: Should Gary Neville Retire?
The “should he/shouldn’t he” debate over Gary Neville‘s retirement has been going on for around three years now. On one side of the fence you’ve got the fans that argue that he’s past it and should retire for the good of the team. On the other side are those who think he’s still worthy of a place in the squad for his leadership skills and experience.
Where do I stand? I have to admit I’m in the former category.
Neville has been a fantastic servant for both Manchester United and England. With eight league titles for us and 85 caps for England, he’s up there with the very best right backs this country has produced.
His willingness to overlap his winger and put pin point crosses into the box has been an asset for club and country for the better part of two decades. Put that with his defensive attributes and you realise what an amazing player Gary once was.
But the key there is in the word “was”, because he isn’t that player anymore. Far too often he’s caught dwelling on the ball, losing possession, putting the rest of the back four and the goalkeeper under pressure. So too is his lack of pace exposed as even average players are now able to out-run him. He has become such a liability to the team that I fear the worst every time I see his name on the team sheet.
I want to remember the Gary Neville of old, bombing down the wings with Beckham, putting quality balls into the box and contributing to attack after attack, whilst also being able to keep his wing safe from attack. If he stays on beyond this year I fear all I’ll remember of him are the days of poor positioning, lack of pace and getting out-muscled.
His reputation is tarnished in my head every time he puts on the red shirt and that’s why personally I think his retirement is long overdue.
He can play a part in our future success by becoming part of the coaching staff like Solskjaer, but this should definitely be his last season in a playing capacity.
Agree? Disagree? Have your say in the comments.
January 7th, 2010
I agree. I cringe every time I see him on the pitch because I know he’s going to put the defence under pressure. You’re a legend Gaz but it’s time to go.
January 7th, 2010
I think retirement at the end of season should be the order of the day.
He will make a great coach so the club should employ him in the way for 2010/2011 season.
With the emergence of R Da Silva, as well as O’Shea, Brown being able to play right back, it is time to move on i think. Danny Simpson could play his role as cover RB in 2010/2011.
Paul Scholes is in a similar position, but he can still be an impact player of the bench.
January 7th, 2010
yes he should be retire last season cos he cant play he allways relay on other player and he cant help the team to win cos he cant do hes job . i dont no how utd keep him this long !! he is good to play in leag 1 . he was the reason utd lost agen leeds
January 7th, 2010
Noboby annoys me like this guy in a untied team. He is past his good old days. As the striker dribbles the ball towards him, the fella is peddling backwards to his goal area and i wonder Where the hell he is going. Its not about who is senior in the team. The young boys are showing him that they can do better but fergie has learnt nothing from the past. Will turn our guns to the boss himself.
January 7th, 2010
I am a tottenham fan but i believe that gary is one of the greatest full-backs to ever the grace the english game and i would be very sad to see him go. He has always been a hard-working and commendable man and should he decide to leave then i feel as though it will be the end of an era. At the very least, he should stay on as a coach. Well done gary for the last 19 years.
January 8th, 2010
As much as I like Gaz, I think it’s time to call it a day and hang up your playing boots. Age apart, you’re too injury prone which won,t give you time to get match fit. Everytime I’ve seen you play lately, you found it hard to keep up with the pace of the game and struggled all the way.
Thank you for your services and love for United, but it’s time to relinquish your place and give the younger generation their chance, as you did when you took over from Paul Parker.