Neville has faith in United

As doubts persist over the planned initial public offering in the United States – intended to raise much-needed funds for the Glazer family to reduce their debts, which many feel are to blame for a relative lack of transfer activity in recent years – once again Sir Alex Ferguson may find it difficult to compete in the market place.

Eden Hazard has already rejected overtures to join Chelsea and United know if it comes down to a straight fight between them and Manchester City for Arsenal’s wantaway forward Robin van Persie, the Blues have deeper pockets. With Darren Fletcher’s future uncertain, midfield resources look painfully thin, even with the arrivals of Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell.

However, former United stalwart Neville, said at the launch of his Sustainability in Sport project: “When you don’t win the championship at United that is always treated as a mini disaster – and I am talking internally, not externally,” said Neville.

“The club will always have to respond to critics and negativity when they don’t win trophies. That is the reality of being a Manchester United manager, player or fan. You just have to accept it, get on with it and respond.

“I am sure they will. They always have before.”