Gary Neville has insisted that Manchester United “cannot change” one thing at the Premier League club due to the special “bond” the Red Devils have with it.
The Manchester United legend spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford after breaking into the club’s first team as a famed member of the ‘Class of ’92.’
Gary Neville enjoyed a successful career under Sir Alex Ferguson and lifted eight Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and three League Cups.
The 48-year-old ascended to United club captain in 2005 after Ferguson axed Red Devils legend Roy Keane from Old Trafford.
Neville admitted that he became a key locker-room figure for legendary former United manager Ferguson towards the end of his playing career at the club.
The former United right-back called it time on his playing career in 2011, but Neville claimed that he made one important change at Old Trafford during his spell.
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Neville talks Man Utd ‘bond’ with song
Following his appointment as Manchester United captain, Gary Neville chose a song for the Red Devils’ tunnel walkout ahead of matches at Old Trafford.
The ex-United and England defender is a big Stone Roses fan and selected a track from the Manchester rock band’s 1989 self-titled album.
‘This Is The One’ has since been used as the walkout song at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils sharing a close connection with The Stone Roses.
United and Adidas recently announced a collaboration on merchandise themed around the fan-favourite Stone Roses as part of celebrating the band’s history.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Neville argued that ‘This Is The One’ is an integral part of the Old Trafford experience and should not be changed.
“That song should never, ever be moved from that position of being the song that Manchester United walk out to, you know?” he said.
“For me, Manchester United is the one. That’s it. Simple as that.
“The bond between the song ‘This Is The One’ and Manchester United cannot be broken. You cannot change that anymore.
“It’s part of what Manchester United is and I’m all for thinking forward, being modern.
“But there are some things that you have to respect. ‘This Is The One’ is one of those things.”
Man Utd legend Neville on The Stone Roses’ track
Neville said that there is still a spine-tingling feeling he experiences when he hears ‘This Is The One’ at Old Trafford even during his punditry duties for Sky Sports.
“‘This Is The One’ has stood the test of time because it’s a great song,” he explained.
“That’s it first and foremost, and that album is legendary.
“But Manchester United helps keep it alive every single week. I’m up there now on the gantry and that guitar starts to play, and that moment still gives you goosebumps.
“If you’re a Manchester United fan and you hear that song, then you know it’s time for the match to start.”
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