The Manchester United fullback put in a stunningly effective, if somewhat unintentional display as a first line of attack for Manchester City as the Blues recorded their first derby success in 13 years.
And so great was the England international‘s role in his side's capitulation that he beat City‘s two-goal hero Shaun Goater and midfield playmaker Eyal Berkovic to romp home with the poll crown.
Despite being put out of his personal nightmare on the hour mark, Neville was on the pitch long enough to pick up 52 per cent of the vote.
That was easily enough to beat Goater‘s 16 per cent and tough tackling Aussie Danny Tiatto on 11 per cent.
Neville also thrashed his United colleagues, with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s combined tallies reaching just five per cent.
So long an unsung hero of the United side, Neville is a rare recipient of the man of the match bubbly.
However his performance in laying the ball on a plate for Goater‘s first goal saw his stock rise inexorably among half the population of Manchester.
That, though, may be of little consolation to a player who is likely to have turned the air blue as he reminisced on Saturday‘s horror-show.