- Gary Neville named best striker he ever played with at Manchester United
- Neville said no one was able to stop the game and beat their players like he did
- He admitted that many United fans would disagree with his choice
Gary Neville has called the player he once played with at Manchester United the best striker, but admitted some fans may ‘disagree’ with his decision.
The right-back, who made 602 appearances for the Red Devils in 19 seasons, said Wayne Rooney was the best striker he had the privilege of sharing the pitch with at United.
Neville said no one could stop play, beat their man and score goals like Rooney. He also praised the former England international for his exceptional off-the-ball performances when it came to pressing and movement.
However, Neville, who retired in 2011 having finished his career with eight titles, three FA Cups and two Champions Leagues, said Eric Cantona was a better passer.
Neville also shared the field 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 best striker he ever played with at Manchester United
The right-back – who made 602 appearances 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 BettingNeville said: “When it comes to the best striker I’ve played with, there’s no other answer than Wayne Rooney, and I know a lot of Manchester United fans wouldn’t agree with that.
‘Nobody could do what Rooney could do with his game, his movement with and without the ball, passing a man, scoring goals, tackling, pressing and he could play in different positions.
“Nobody comes close to him as an all-round striker. I have no hesitation in saying he is the best striker I have played with. Cantona was probably a better passer and could hold the ball better.
‘Ruud was a better finisher, Ole was a better finisher. Yorkie and Cole’s partnership was better than Rooney. But he had everything.’
With United, Rooney won five Premier League titles and was instrumental in each. An FA Cup and four League Cups would follow, before that famous rainy night in Moscow when the Champions League trophy finally wore United’s red ribbons again.
With United, Rooney (above) won five Premier League titles and was crucial in each of them.
Rooney’s final tribute to United came in May 2017 at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, where he lifted the Europa League trophy aloft into the Swedish night sky as captain of his beloved club.
A final swansong with Everton beckoned as Rooney donned the famous blue shirt for a final dance during the 2017-18 season.
He played 31 games in the Premier League and scored 10 goals for his boyhood club. In 2004, the heartbroken Everton fans were finally able to say goodbye to the local hero as he never should have.
A subsequent fleeting stint at DC United gave Rooney the rare gift of going incognito. In the United States, the star could roam freely, without having to worry about another stranger turning up on every street corner.
After a gruelling career where the eyes of the world were on his every move, it was liberating for Rooney. His zest for life was soon reflected in his football, with the veteran star scoring 25 goals in 52 appearances.
There would be another FA Cup and four League Cups 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 great love and it was no surprise when Rooney hung up his boots, right where it all began.
After a brief playing career with the Rams, Rooney is now manager of Derby County. Rooney is currently head coach of EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
Gary Neville spoke on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Betting