Gary Neville's battled the best players in the world – but his scariest ever opponent was an Iranian striker who used to manage the nation.
Ali Daei was boss of England's World Cup opponents Iran a few years before Carlos Quieroz took over. But before Daei became a manager, he was striking fear into the hearts of defences across Europe during a stint for German giants Bayern Munich.
Daei was so prolific as a player, that he was the highest scoring men's international star with 109 in 148 matches until Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo usurped his record last year. And Neville felt Daei's fearsome presence first-hand when he faced the 6'4 powerhouse during Manchester United's Champions League group stage tie against Bayern in 1999.
READ MORE: England World Cup stars shaving legs silky smooth to help their tackles in Qatar
Neville was guarding United's right flank when Daei came on as substitute in the 63rd minute. The ex-right-back admitted he was terrified at the sight of Daei coming onto the pitch, and declared no other player ever scared him as much as the former centre-forward did.
Do you think England will beat Iran in their World Cup opener? Let us know in the comments section below
But luckily Daei didn't hit the net in the 2-2 draw. And he remained on the bench when the Red Devils met Bayern again in the final and staged one of the greatest comebacks in European history, scoring two late goals to overturn the German giants' 1-0 lead to lift the trophy.
Speaking on their encounter when asked who the scariest player he faced was in a TikTok clip, Neville said: "Bayern Munich 1999 in the group phase, (Carsten) Jancker was upfront with (Giovane) Elber. But then Elber went off and the Iranian 6'4 centre-forward came on."
Luckily for England, Daei won't be around to instill fear in the current crop of Three Lions stars during their clash with Iran. Trent-Alexander Arnold is likely to occupy Neville's former position in defence as Reece James missed the tournament due to injury.
READ NEXT:
Fans fume as Anfield left off 14-stadium list for England and Ireland's Euro 2028 bid
Inside bare basics £5,000 hotel room that's unbelievably the cheapest left in Doha
Paul Merson names his England XI and predicts World Cup 2022 winner and dark horses
Source: Read Full Article
John Stones' absence has rocked Manchester City
Gascoigne took poo inside Gattuso’s sock on his first day at Rangers
Man Utd may turn to Jose Mourinho move as ’50 per cent’ of squad in turmoil
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Man United will go through NEXT WEEK
Erik ten Hag is 'battling to keep key Man United players onside'