Phil Neville clings to double dream

Phil Neville has defended Manchester United’s recent tactics – claiming his side could still be on target for an unlikely double this season.

United crashed out of Europe this week following defeat at AC Milan, days after losing ground on Premiership leaders Chelsea.

Without a goal in two games, manager Alex Ferguson has been criticised for using negative tactics – but Neville insists the manager emphasises attacking play.

Ferguson has played Wayne Rooney as lone striker recently but, with Ruud van Nistelrooy fit again, could revert to playing two in attack against Southampton for the FA Cup quarter-final at St Mary’s tomorrow.

Neville said: “The mentality of the squad is the same because we have the same manager and the manager has the same beliefs. Sometimes over the last 10 years we’ve been stereotyped as 4-4-2 and sometimes you have to change.

“We’ve changed this season. Up to now we’ve had a good season, we’ve not been beaten for a long time in the league.

“We’re in the quarter-final of the FA Cup and I firmly believe that if we win every game in all competitions until the end of the season, we won’t be far off doing the double.

“That is a big claim but there’s still a lot to play for in the FA Cup and the league. We have to make sure we win every game and hope something happens elsewhere.”

Neville believes success in the cup can answer critics of their performance at the San Siro, where Hernan Crespo’s header secured a 2-0 aggregate victory.