Neville Promised Skippers Armband

The England international right-back was sidelined for almost all of last season with injury but should he prove his fitness over the close season and reclaim his first team place then he will skipper the side in their defence of both European and domestic title's.

"I'm hopeful Gary Neville can come back and I'm sure he can," Fergie told MUTV.

"At 33 it's always difficult to have been out for a year, of course, but he's such a determined character you wouldn't bet against him coming back.

"He is the captain of the club, and that will give him the incentive to return.

"He knows when he comes back, he'll be captain again."