Gary Neville awarded honorary degree

Gary Neville has been a major part of Manchester United’s Premier League era, having won eight league titles and two Champions League.

The former right-back came through the Class of ‘92, captained the side under Sir Alex Ferguson in their era of dominance, embodying the standards that defined United’s most successful period.

Over 600 appearances later, his voice still frames how many supporters understand the game through his work as a pundit.

Since retiring, Neville has also become one of the most visible ex-United players off the pitch, however no only through punditry.

Neville has built a significant business portfolio, and co-owns Salford City, as well as helps to deliver University Academy 92 (UA92) in Manchester to widen access to higher education for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Now, that wider impact has been formally recognised.

The BBC has reported that Neville has received an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast, awarded for his contribution to sport, business, education and philanthropy.

The Premier League Hall of Fame inductee accepted the honour at a ceremony on Tuesday and described the recognition from Queen’s as “a tremendous honour”.

Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said Neville’s honours on the pitch are matched “by his commitment to creating opportunities for young people through education, skills and enterprise,” adding that “Gary embodies values that speak directly to Queen’s mission.”

It is a description that fits the path Gary Neville has taken since hanging up his boots.

As co-owner of Salford City and a driving force behind UA92, he has consistently positioned education and opportunity at the centre of his post-playing career.

As such, he mirrors the emphasis Manchester United have long placed on youth development and personal standards within their own academy system.

Speaking about his work in education, Neville said it is “something I feel hugely passionate about,” explaining that he has “seen first-hand the impact Queen’s has on its students and on the wider community.”

He first built a relationship with the university after attending the Declan Kelly Leadership Lecture Series earlier this year and added: “I look forward to continuing that relationship in the years ahead.”

This latest honour underlines how his influence now stretches well beyond the touchline, with his legacy increasingly defined by the opportunities he is helping to create off the pitch as well as what he achieved at Old Trafford.