'I played for Gary Neville at Valencia - Man Utd should hire him to replace Ruben Amorim'

Gary Neville has received backing to take charge of Manchester United from one of his former Valencia players. The ex-Red Devils defender embarked on a brief and ill-fated managerial stint back in 2015 when he accepted the role with the La Liga outfit.

However, the appointment proved catastrophic as he was dismissed after merely 28 matches. Throughout his tenure at the Mestalla, he secured only three victories in the league. Nevertheless, former Valencia and Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo reckons the 50-year-old could prove a suitable option for the Old Trafford hot seat amid the current pressure on Ruben Amorim.

In conversation with Coin Poker, the ex-Spain striker said: "It also depends on the situation at Manchester United. I think he was a very important player for Manchester United. He's a player who gave a lot to English football.

"Perhaps, similar to Valencia at that time, it's a United team who haven't been consistently at the top for a long time, and perhaps now wouldn't be the best moment.

"But it is also true that changes come when the team is not in a good moment. I would try him, because, as I say, as a coach, I did like him."

Neville has steered clear of management since departing Valencia, choosing instead to concentrate on his punditry duties with Sky Sports - alongside his commercial interests including his part-ownership of Salford City.

Negredo has confessed he anticipated Neville would return to the touchline far sooner.

He continued: "Yes, it surprises me because I considered him capable and qualified.

"Perhaps in Spain at that time, due to the language barrier, he didn't get more opportunities, but in the Premier League, I would have given him more, based on my experience. For me, he was a good coach who, as I said, came with a very good attitude and a desire to improve.

"He had been a player, so he also possesses knowledge of the football world. These are decisions that perhaps he didn't want to continue experiencing, and he hasn't had the opportunity to continue coaching."

Whether Neville's next managerial role materialises at Old Trafford remains unclear.

However, United are standing firm behind Amorim despite their dismal beginning to the season.

The Red Devils find themselves languishing in 10th place following a mere three victories from their opening seven fixtures.