Neville returns but Fergie admits his days are numbered

GARY NEVILLE will lead Manchester United into Champions League battle against Aalborg tonight but the veteran defender’s days as Alex Ferguson’s first-choice full-back are behind him.

With well over 500 Red Devils appearances to his name, plus 85 England caps, it would be folly to write Neville off just yet.

But as his 34th birthday is looming in February, time is not on his side. And the emergence of Rafael this season has presented a genuine threat to what was once regarded as Neville’s automatic place in the United line-up.