Neville slams title rivals

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The United skipper is pushing himself through an exhaustive fitness schedule in an attempt to ensure he is ready for the opening game of the new season against Reading at Old Trafford on August 12.

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Taunt: Neville has been accused of riling opposition fans

After missing the final two months of the campaign - including the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea - with an ankle injury, Neville is determined to be heavily involved as the Red Devils look to defend their crown.

However, at a meeting of the Malta branch of the United supporters' club, the 32-year-old claimed his side's major foes were guilty of taking Sir Alex Ferguson's men lightly last term.

"Nobody thought Manchester United would win the Premier League last season," he said. "But they underestimated us. They underestimated the knowledge and class of our manager.

"For two to three years we had been in suffering. At the start of the season we added Michael Carrick to our squad and lost Ruud van Nistelrooy. But Chelsea added Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack.

"But the manager knew what he was doing over a period of two years in building a new team and now we are in a fantastic position.

"Last season we played the best football, the most attacking and entertaining football - and we deserved to win the trophy.

"I don't think a United fan could ever be as excited about the players, the team and about the way the club is, as today."

Ferguson wasted no time in bolstering his squad for the new campaign either, landing Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani within weeks of the Premier League trophy being paraded at Old Trafford for the ninth time.

Carlos Tevez will join as well providing the wrangle over his ownership is sorted out, leaving most United followers far more confident for the coming campaign than they were before the previous one.

And Neville will push himself to the limit to be involved in the action.

"I had an operation on my ankle about five to six weeks ago," he said. "I have been training really hard and feeling really strong and hoping I am fit for the start of the season because I am longing to play.

"I need to get fit as soon as possible because I love playing for Manchester United."