Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville revealed that he ‘apologised’ to one of Roy Keane’s favourite Red Devils legends of all time.
Gary Neville received major recognition for his prolific Manchester United playing career after he was finally inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The Premier League’s official website confirmed in October that the 50-year-old Sky Sports pundit would be part of the ‘Class of 2025’ inductees with Eden Hazard.
The ceremony was held at London’s Mayfair on Tuesday and United legend Neville and Chelsea cult hero Eden Hazard were formally inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Premier League Hall of Fame, which was announced in 2020 and rolled out with its first inductees in 2021, has seen several former United players be inducted.
The likes of Andy Cole, Peter Schmeichel, Rio Ferdinand and Sir David Beckham are all inductees, while iconic former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has also been featured.
What Gary Neville said when he saw Man Utd legend Denis Irwin after his Premier League Hall of Fame announcement
Gary Neville crossed paths with Red Devils legend Bryan Robson ahead of Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Bryan Robson presented his former United teammate with his Hall of Fame medallion in October ahead of the Premier League’s ceremony in November.
Neville revealed that after his interaction with legendary former United captain Robson, fellow Red Devils legend Denis Irwin arrived on the scene.
“But do you know something? Who walked literally in a minute after Bryan presented me with the trophy was Denis Irwin,” he said on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast.
“Now, Denis is the best full-back I’ve ever seen by a mile. I think he’s the best full-back in Premier League history. And I said, ‘Denis, I’m… I actually said I’m really sorry.’”
Why Gary Neville apologised to Denis Irwin and what Roy Keane said about the Man Utd legend
Denis Irwin is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in Premier League history, but the United legend has not been included in the Hall of Fame.
Joining from Oldham Athletic in 1990, Irwin excelled under Sir Alex Ferguson and he lifted seven Premier Leagues, a Champions League, two FA Cups and a League Cup.
Neville insisted that former United teammate Irwin is one of the best full-backs he has ever seen and he was in awe at what he was capable of doing as a defender.
“No, because I just think Denis for me is definitely, I can’t think of a better full-back in terms of someone who could [be] right-footed, left-footed, could cross, could take free-kicks, could take penalties, could defend,” he continued.
Roy Keane is a huge admirer of Irwin and the 54-year-old legendary former United captain made a comparison that struck a chord with fellow Sky Sports pundit Neville.
“Denis is Stuart Pearce,” he said to Neville.
Responding to Keane’s assessment, Neville added: “Well, look, Stuart Pearce, you’re right. Yeah, yeah.”
Irwin netted 33 times and registered 25 assists in a whopping 529 appearances for the Red Devils before he left Old Trafford and signed for Wolves in 2002.
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