[owenrooneyruud]

Gary Neville knows he is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career as he prepares for pre-season training with Manchester United.



The England international missed virtually all of last season as he battled a series of injuries after breaking his ankle towards the end of the 2006/07 campaign.


Wes Brown took over as right-back at Old Trafford in Neville's absence and has also been selected by England boss Fabio Capello.


Neville knows he will have his work cut out to force his way back into Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but is inspired by the man he is trying to oust.



Ultimate


He told MUTV: "I've got a number of challenges ahead of me and the ultimate one is to try and get back into that team ahead of Wes (Brown).


"That's going to be hard for me given the way Wes performed last season. I would say he was in our top two or three most consistent players. He was fantastic throughout the season and deserved all the success he got.


"I can talk about my injuries and being out for 12 months, but Wes has had two cruciate ligament injuries and been out for 12 months twice.


"I know now where he was during those years and I appreciate how difficult it is. And even though Wes is younger than me, he is a great example to me of how you come back into the team after an injury."



Challenge


Neville will be back at Carrington on Wednesday as United begin their build up to the new Premier League campaign, but any players on duty at Euro 2008 will be given an extended break.


He added: "Pre-season is hugely important for every player but this time it's massive for me as I try to break into a team that's won the Double.


"And it's an even greater challenge than normal for the team as we try to repeat the success of last season."
Source: Sky Sports

Neville has been fighting his troubles for the past 3 seasons now.. coming back in the squad wil be hard but i think he can do it..

what do you guys think.. can he make a successful return??

[Lucky7]

That's going to be hard for Gary given the way Wes performed last season. I would say he was in our top three most consistent players. He was fantastic throughout the season and deserved all the success he got.
But Gary Still Our Legend..

[ManUtd19]

I think he'll make it back in. He'll start as a sub for a while maybe but he'll hopefully be properly back soon after. Awesome legend. Can't wait to to see him in action.

[marty davidson]

Wes Brown was class last season

[thekeanefella]

just look at maldini still playing at 40. nevs will be fine.

[Stephen]

Like he says.

He cannot break down in pre-season. No mor injuries.

Another injury and he'd be forced to retire I reckon.

I've still got my doubts about whether he can make it back.

Plus it'd be very hard to drop Brown after the fantastic season he's had.

[thatboyronaldo7]

I'd like to see Gary in some matches but I think Brown's outstanding performance will keep him mostly in the starting XI.

[jerrakos]

It will be hard for Nev but Brown will keep the RB position imo

[sparkic]

I think Neville can do it and will captain our side out to more title wins and we need more squad depth especaially this season since we are partcipating in 7 different tournaments! Having to great RB's is a good headache lol

[manutd004]

I have some doubts as to whether Neville can come back.

I actually think Danny Simpson should be our No 1 right-back next season as I said in another thread, but I seem to be the only person.

But I think Brown will start as our right-back and Neville will come in every now and again, if he does well.

[stretty]

I think its time for gary to take a back seat , he has been a superb player for us but never was one of the quickest , he made up for that with his grit and determination .
Wes brown was fantastic last season , but the time has come to replace him with a quality right back , i cannot see him reaching the heights he did before his injury

[Stephen]

Simpson's nowhere near United quality.

[manutd004]

Simpson's nowhere near United quality.

Originally Posted by Stephen

I disagree.

I've been impressed with Simpson and think that, with a good run of games, he will show the ability I believe he has.

But I don't think he'll get those run of games and Brown will start off as right-back anyway so this conversation is a bit pointless really.

[Stephen]

Simo is only good when Rio is by him, in his ear all game advising him.

No wonder he got sent out on loan last season. Has potential, but not a starter yet.

[manutd004]

Simo is only good when Rio is by him, in his ear all game advising him.

No wonder he got sent out on loan last season. Has potential, but not a starter yet.

Originally Posted by Stephen

I think that Simpson is ready, and he would gain more playing regularly for Man Utd than going on loan to teams like Ipswich.

But thats just my opinion. I would have no worries about throwing him in.

[CaptainRoyKeane]

Wes done an awesome job at the back, can Gary get his place...well we'll see!

[stretty]

Simpson's nowhere near United quality.

Originally Posted by Stephen

fergie thinks he might be

[jerrakos]

Ferguson fears stalwart Neville has played his last game for United

Sir Alex Ferguson has cast doubt over whether Manchester United defender Gary Neville will play again.

The Old Trafford manager was contradictory when he declared his wish to hand the captaincy back to Neville.

Ferguson said: 'I am hopeful Gary Neville can come back. I am sure he can. At 33, it is always difficult if you have been out of the game for a year. But Neville is such a determined character. You would not bet against him coming back.

'He's not bitter about having to fight for his place. He is a low-key type of lad who neither gets up nor down. But he has a great determination and that gives him a chance to return. He is club captain so that is another incentive.'

Ryan Giggs or Rio Ferdinand chiefly captained the side last season. Neville has missed more than a year with ankle and calf problems and endured several abortive comebacks before finally returning against Roma in April.

The right back has remained defiant in the face of his injuries and has said he hopes to be ready to play a full part again as United look to defend their Barclays Premier League title.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/....html?ITO=1490

[reddwarf]

It'll be interesting to see who starts the first Premier League game - Brown or Neville. Pre-season form should give us a clue.

I think Simpson will have to settle for starting League Cup games for now. I thought he looked like a great prospect until he started against Everton last season - he was woeful and was substituted at half-time. I didn't really keep track of his progress while he was on loan but hopefully the experience has done him good.