Neville Legacy

The Neville name is synonymous with Manchester by now. This is mainly down to both brothers Phil Neville and especially Gary Neville having lengthy spells at Manchester United.

Both were born in Bury situated in the Greater Manchester area. The two were also a product of the Manchester United youth academy. With Gary been called up with the now famous Class of 92. A class which featured Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and of course Robbie Savage.

While younger brother Phil would make is debut two years later in 1994.

Phil would go on to make 263 league appearances for United but would move to Everton in 2005. There he would make an equally impressive 242 league appearances. He arguably even has more of a legacy at Everton. He became club captain in 2007 until his retirement in 2013.

On the flip side Gary was a one club man. He played with Manchester United from 1992 until his retirement in 2011. Making 400 league appearances during this time. Like Phil at Everton Gary would become club captain at Manchester United. Taking up the responsibility in 2006 until 2011.

The Neville boys are still involved in the football scene in Manchester. They both own 10% each of League Two side Salford City. They co own with Gary’s fellow Class of 92 alumni Giggs, Scholes, Beckham and Butt who all also have 10% ownership each. Along with businessman Peter Lim who owns 40%.

Well another Neville lad could be dreaming of following in their footsteps.

New Nev On the Block

As Harvey Neville has signed his first professional contract with Manchester United.

Harvey is the son of Phil and nephew of Gary.

The 18-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Red Devils.

Harvey was previously on the books at Manchester City. He also played for Valencia’s youth set up in 2018 while his dad was a coach at the club. Then he would join Manchester United in the same year.

Harvey started out as a midfielder but seems to have settled into a full back role United. Must be a Neville thing. He made six appearances for their Under 18s as a first-year scholar.

Harvey will now aim to step up to Manchester United Under 23 squad. That will be the next progression from his current place with the Under 18 squad.

Speaking on the good news Neville said “Proud to have signed my first professional contract with Man Utd. Thank you to all my family and all my coaches for their support.”

Harvey has already represented the Republic of Ireland at underage international level. Making his Ireland Under 19 debut against Denmark back in October in the Showground in County Sligo. He was eligible for the Ireland squad through his mother Julie.

If his talent progresses the Ireland coaches will be hoping to avoid another Jack Grealish and Declan Rice situation.

One to keep an eye on. Will the name hold him back like Jordi Cruyff? Or will he continue carrying on the family name at the club?

Only time will tell for Harvey Neville.