Manchester United icon Gary Neville is pushing for ex-club to sign Manchester City star Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo once again won Man of the Match from Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville after his thrilling performance in the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon.

The Portugal international provoked the opening goal, with his left-footed cross turned into a United goal by Eric Bailly. Minutes before half-time he was the supplier again, allowing Bernardo Silva to double City’s lead.

After a year of integration, Cancelo has reinvigorated the full-back role and contributes to the attacking numbers you expect from a left winger.

Speaking on Gary Neville’s podcast after the game, the ex-Manchester United star was discussing the game and revealed interesting insight into Cancelo’s development since working with the full-back at Valencia.

“I loved him when he was there. There was a vulnerability about him because he was so young,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“He’s so hard on himself, in training he was his (own) critic. If he made a mistake he would throw his arms down and start cursing himself and I was like ‘give yourself a pause “

Neville continued, “I had him as a very young player at Valencia but you could just see exceptional talent. I made calls in England, you can imagine which club I’m talking about, saying ‘if you ever take a youngster player, he’s the one you’d take. “

If it wasn’t obvious, the club he is referring to is his former employer, Manchester United.

In the end, the Red Devils did not pursue Joao Cancelo – and via Juventus – the 27-year-old joined Manchester City and became one of the best full-backs in Europe.

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