Gary Neville testimonial given go-ahead

Neville's testimonial will take place four days before the Champions League final (GETTY IMAGES)

Gary Neville's testimonial will still take place at Old Trafford on May 24, even though it is just four days before Manchester United are almost certain to be taking on Barcelona in the Champions League final.

United will tackle Juventus to mark the end of Neville's 19-year playing career earlier this year.

The former England defender always knew there was the possibility of his own game being overshadowed but it was impossible to arrange it afterwards due to the League One and Two play-offs being held at Old Trafford the following weekend.

Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to play a strong team against the side United defeated to reach the 1999 Champions League final, although Neville is obviously aware his old boss will not want any of his players getting injured.

To that end, Neville is hoping to get a number of guest players involved as well.

One of those could be long-time team-mate Nicky Butt, who left United for Newcastle in 2004 and is currently on a short-term playing contract in Hong Kong.

The occasion could turn out to be a celebration anyway as 24 hours earlier, United will take on Sheffield United in the second-leg of the FA Youth Cup final, a game Neville may well end up commentating on for MUTV.