Gary Neville only played against Rangers at Ibrox once in a glittering career with Manchester United.
But that was enough to convince the Red Devils legend that Ibrox Stadium is one of football’s loudest and most unique arenas.
Barry Ferguson wants his team to inspire the Rangers support as the Ibrox side welcome Athletic Bilbao to Glasgow in the Europa League.
Neville propped up the right-back berth under Sir Alex Ferguson and was Mr Consistent at the Old Trafford club for a generation.
Making 602 appearances for United and winning two Champions League crowns, Neville played at almost all of European football’s most famous stadiums.
But it’s Ibrox that stood out more than all the rest for the Man United legend, who has once again hailed the Rangers support.
Gary Neville: Rangers the best atmosphere alongside Galatasaray
Gary Neville has talked up Ibrox before and reckons that the atmosphere generated by Rangers fans is matched only by Istanbul club Galatasaray.
Back in 2021, Neville branded Ibrox ‘unbelievable’ and ranked it as the ‘loudest’ ground that he ever played at.
This is after Neville faced Rangers in 2003, with Phil Neville scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Manchester United victory.
The defender was not included in the Manchester United squad for another Champions League clash against Rangers in 2010.
”I’ve got special memories of Ibrox,” Neville told the US Overlap.
”In one my brother scored the winning goal believe it or not in a Champions League tie.
”But do you know something? When people say to me, other than Turkey and Galatasaray, that Ibrox for me is the best atmosphere that I’ve ever seen at an away ground at a football stadium. It’s absolutely incredible.
”How do they create that level of noise? How do they actually get to that fever pitch? I’ve never heard anything like it.”
Drew McIntyre responded simply “passion upon passion” before adding “it’s in the blood”.
Gary Neville had Rangers testimonial request denied
Rangers left such a seismic impression on Gary Neville that the Ibrox club were initially considered for the Manchester United legend’s testimonial.
Back in 2010, Neville had eyed a remarkable testimonial clash which would’ve seen Rangers fans return to Manchester in their numbers.
But as explained by the Guardian, Manchester City Council denied the Old Trafford club’s request due to the riots which marred the 2008 UEFA Cup Final in Manchester.
Rangers fans did return to Manchester this season however, with Rangers losing 2-1 to Manchester United in the Europa League group stages.
