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'He was brutal with me in that first year or two': Gary Neville reveals Peter Schmeichel told him he wasn't good enough for Manchester United during team day out as he opens up on being 'ripped to shreds' by Steve Bruce and club's 'massive' dressing room

Gary Neville has lifted the lid on his integration into the Manchester United dressing room and the 'brutal' treatment from Peter Schmeichel which toughened him up.

The former England defender broke into Sir Alex Ferguson's first team at United after rising through the club's academy as part of the famed Class of '92.

Neville credits the number of leaders in the squad with helping him develop the right mentality to play for the club, but admits that it was not always an easy transition.

Gary Neville has opened up on the Manchester United dressing room during his early years
Neville says the treatment he received from goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel (right) was 'brutal'

The right back was only 17 when he made his debut against Torpedo Moscow in the UEFA Cup in 1992, and one of his team-mates had serious doubts over his ability.