Gary Neville makes surprise Man Utd return days after axe from Sir Alex Ferguson role

Gary Neville has been on ambassadorial duties for Manchester United in a freelance capacity, just days after the club announced the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's full-time contract

Gary Neville, the former Manchester United captain, has been performing freelance ambassador duties for the club, just days after it was revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson's full-time ambassadorial contract is coming to an end. Ferguson, who led the club to a Treble victory, had a deal worth millions of pounds per year in recognition of his successes.

However, new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been implementing cost-cutting measures since taking over footballing affairs, including ending this costly contract. Several other ex-United players have different ambassadorial roles, with varying responsibilities.

Neville, who is also part of the club's stadium taskforce as Ratcliffe explores plans for a 'Wembley of the North', recently represented the club in India. The 49 year old participated in a panel at the Minerva academy in Mohali, travelling to India for the Apollo Tyres flagship grassroots football programme.

He appeared as part of the 'United We Play' programme, which the tyre company says aims "to enable our next-generation players to reach their optimum performance by unlocking their potential".

Gary Neville's recent appearance in India, as reported by The Sun, was on a freelance basis. The former England defender juggles multiple roles, including regular punditry stints in the UK and the US, reports the Mirror.

A photo from the event captured him speaking before a backdrop adorned with various logos alongside the Manchester United crest. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson, whose ambassadorial contract with United has ended, was spotted at Parkhead watching his old team Aberdeen rally to a 2-2 draw against Celtic.

Amidst rumours of being barred from United's dressing room, Ferguson received backing from fans at Old Trafford.

In other news, Manchester United had to stage a comeback this Saturday, replicating last season's turnaround against Brentford by recovering from a 1-0 halftime deficit to secure a 2-1 win. Post-match, manager Erik ten Hag praised his team's defensive solidity and organisation, noting their four clean sheets in the Premier League.

Despite acknowledging previous issues with chance conversion, he commended the team's performance against Brentford, highlighting the players' ability to capitalise on high-quality opportunities. "We defend very well as a team, we have four clean sheets in the Premier League and it shows the organisation is very good," Ten Hag reflected.

"We've created lots of chances, coming into the right spots, but the conversion was not of the level we can expect. Today, we did everything right and you see we have players who can finish high-quality chances."

"In the second half, there were slight changes, we fill the pockets and have better intensity for the counter-press. Also, the first half wasn't bad, and we had some good moments, and some good chances, but didn't score. In the second half, we scored and everyone is happy."