It has been more than two decades since Gary Neville refused to shake hands with Peter Schmeichel during the 2002 Manchester derby.
Despite forming a close bond throughout the 90s as they lifted numerous trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, Schmeichel’s decision to join City in 2002 was seen as a betrayal by many United fans, including Neville.
As both teams lined up in the tunnel at Maine Road, Schmeichel offered his hand to Neville, who locked eyes with the Danish goalkeeper for a brief moment before brushing his hand aside in anger.
“You just don’t play for those clubs, irrespective of what happens,” said Neville when speaking about the incident in 2018.
“He’d won the treble with United in ’99, said that he was retiring… he should have carried on playing for United for the next two or three years if that was the case.”
Fast forward to 2025, and as Neville sat metres away in the commentary box, the atmosphere inside the Etihad tunnel ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Manchester derby was different, to say the least.
Joshua Zirkzee could be seen embracing Tijjani Reijnders and Erling Haaland, while Bruno Fernandes hugged compatriots Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva. Harry Maguire even flicked Phil Foden’s ear before entering the pitch.
It was a scene that annoyed United fans on social media.
One said: “Don’t like seeing how friendly these players are with each other in the tunnel. Save it for afterwards,” while another commented: “We’re playing a derby and these players are hugging each other in the tunnel.”
A third wrote: “Dear players, this is war, please refrain from hugging and blowing kisses to the opposition in the tunnel before the match. FFS.”
Fernandes hugged Dias ahead of kick-off. Image credit: Sky Sports
Zirkzee also embraced the opposition. Image credit: Sky Sports
A fourth said: “Stop with the hugging the opposition in the tunnel – it’s a freaking derby,” and a fifth added: “Players high-fiving the opposition team in the tunnel. I miss the days when we had G Nev and Rooney.
Leave a Reply