Gary Neville believes that the Manchester United side between 2003 and 2006 were 'pretty average'.
This is despite the club winning a F.A Cup, League Cup and a Premier League title during that period.
The former England defender was speaking to The Telegraph's James Ducker in an exclusive interview, where he admitted that team during the transitional period between Sir Alex Ferguson's triple winning side and the side that won the Champions League and Premier League in 2008 was 'average':
"I think we've become a bit idealistic about what the football was at times under Sir Alex. I was there for a large part of it, 21 years, and saw every game. And, yes, it was mesmerising at times, it was out of this world at times," he said
"But from 2003 to 2006, it wasn't good. I played in that team, it wasn't good. We weren't playing at a high level. We were pretty average at that time. So you think about this three-year period or so now and what are you measuring against?
Aside from those who supported Man United, Neville was not particularly popular as a footballer. But since becoming a pundit, he's been lauded for his impartial and honest opinions. His insight has breathed new life into the meaning of punditry in football. He has set the standard for the rest.
It has meant that his opinions are widely respect and regarded by supporters.
But 'average' for a title-wining still seem odd, even if it's a comment that's likely comparing the Man United to their usual standard during the Fergie years that won the Champions League.
Neville goes on to claim that the criticism of Man United's style of football in recent years - despite their defensive displays at times this season they've earned runners-up place in the league and could possibly win the F.A Cup- has been amplified by the successes and dominance and style of Manchester City, who live just to the east across the city:
"What City have done - the way they've done it and the points difference - that's the pressure on the football [at United], that there's this almost complete, pure football being played at City and United play differently."
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