Neville told MUTV: "I’m hopefully going to play in a reserve-team game next week, another a week later and maybe then look to be part of the first team.

"I would hope to be ready for selection in around two or three weeks."

Neville is convinced United team-mate Roy Keane will be able to concentrate fully on his football in spite of the off-field controversy caused by his soon-to-be-released autobiography, including a possible lawsuit from Alf Inge Haaland over a tackle Keane has now claimed was a deliberate attempt at revenge.

"No way will it affect Roy," Neville said.

"He moves on from one day to the next and whatever comes his way he takes it in his stride.

"He goes out three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon and is focused on what he wants to do."