Wednesday, 19th June, 2013
Manchester United’s title-winning squad would do well to avoid falling into a comfort zone in terms of proving themselves to the manager, according to former defender Gary Neville.
Neville, who spent 18 years under the same boss in Sir Alex Ferguson, believes David Moyes’ reign will provide a fresh challenge to the players who may have known no other form of authority.
With Manchester United set to visit Swansea in their opening-day Premier League game, much will depend on how the team prepare under new management in the summer.
Five pre-season fixtures in Asia, and one against Swedish giants AIK Stockholm will be the only opportunity for Moyes and the players to gel.
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And Ferguson’s familiarity with the Manchester United philosophy is not a safety net that the players will be able to call upon, according to Neville.
"Obviously, David Moyes will have watched them previously and will know a lot about them", Neville said.
"But it’s only when you actually work closely with somebody that you understand how they work and what they’re like.
"Pre-season will be a showground to demonstrate to David what they can do and to try and impress him. You always want to impress the Manchester United manager.
"The old manager knew the players like the back of his hand, but they don’t have that comfort anymore. They need to impress again."
Manchester United’s pre-season tour in Asia comprises visits to Bangkok, Sydney, Yokohama, Osaka and Hong Kong, before their game in the Friends Arena in Sweden.
The 24,500-mile round trip will end with a clash against AIK Stockholm, which was confirmed yesterday.
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