- Gary Neville named the best striker he played alongside at Manchester United
- Neville said that no one was able to keep the game going and beat his players like him.
- He admitted that many United fans would disagree with his choice.
Gary Neville has named the best striker he played alongside at Manchester United but admitted some fans may “disagree” with his decision.
The right-back, who played 602 times for the Red Devils over 19 seasons, said Wayne Rooney was the best striker he had the pleasure of sharing the pitch with at United.
Neville said no one was able to keep the game going, outplay his opponent and score goals like Rooney did. He also praised the former England international for being exceptional off the ball when it came to pressing and movement.
However, Neville – who retired in 2011, ending his career with eight trophies, three FA Cups and two Champions Leagues – said Eric Cantona was a better passer of the ball.
Neville also had the pleasure of sharing the pitch with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as treble winners Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham.
Gary Neville named the best striker he played alongside at Manchester United
The right-back, who played 602 times for the Red Devils over 19 seasons, said Wayne Rooney was the best striker he had the pleasure of sharing the pitch with at United.
Speaking to Stick to Football, via Sky BetNeville said: ‘When it comes to the best centre-forward I’ve played with, there’s no other answer than Wayne Rooney, and I know that’s something a lot of Manchester United fans disagree with.
‘Nobody could do what Rooney could do with his holding game, his movement on and off the ball, beating a man, scoring goals, tackling, pressing and he could play in a variety of positions.
‘Nobody comes close to him as a versatile striker. I have no hesitation in saying that he is the best centre forward I have ever played with. Cantona was probably a better passer and could hold onto the ball better.
‘Ruud was a better finisher, Ole was a better finisher. The partnership between Yorkie and Cole was better than Rooney’s. But he had everything.’
With United, Rooney lifted five Premier League titles and was instrumental in each one. An FA Cup and four League Cups would follow, before that famous rainy night in Moscow when the Champions League trophy once again wore United’s red ribbons.
With United, Rooney (above) lifted five Premier League titles and was instrumental in each of them.
Rooney’s final honour with United came in May 2017 at Stockholm’s Friends Arena, when he lifted the Europa League trophy into the Swedish night sky as captain of his beloved club.
One final swansong with Everton was in the offing, as Rooney donned the famous blue shirt for one last dance during the 2017-18 season.
He would go on to make 31 Premier League appearances and score 10 goals for his boyhood club as heartbroken Evertonians finally gave their hometown hero the send-off he never got in 2004.
A brief subsequent stint at DC United granted Rooney the rare gift of remaining unnoticed. In America, the star could walk around freely, unafraid of being approached at every corner by a stranger.
After a gruelling career in which the entire world was watching his every move, Rooney felt liberated. His zest for life was soon reflected in his football, as the veteran star scored 25 goals in 52 games.
An FA Cup and four League Cups would follow, before that famous night in Moscow when the Champions League trophy finally wore the red ribbons of Manchester United again.
But English football would always remain his love, and no one was surprised when Rooney hung up his boots where it all began.
Following a brief playing career with the Rams, Rooney has since become manager of Derby County. Rooney has since taken up the role of head coach of EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
Gary Neville spoke on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, presented by Sky Bet