MANCHESTER United's Phil Neville could make his first appearance since his Euro 2000 penalty gaffe against either York City or Scarborough, writes Dave Stanford.

The Red Devils are scheduled to play at Scarborough on Friday night and Bootham Crescent the following day before tackling City's Third Division rivals Shrewsbury on Sunday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to give any indication as to what team he will name for any of the three friendlies.

However, sources close to Old Trafford do expect a number of United's big name players to appear.

That could include new goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Neville, but United skipper Roy Keane believes any of the expected criticism aimed at the full-back can only make him a better player.

The Manchester United captain accepts his club mate will be targeted by opposition fans next season because his mistake against Romania cost England a place in the quarter-finals.

But Keane claims Neville has the backbone to cope with the flak and he feels in the long run it could even make him stronger.

He said: "I think England themselves as a team didn't play particularly well.

"Obviously, Phil is going to face a little bit of criticism because of his late tackle.

"But I think the England players if they are honest enough know they were basically outplayed.

"It's easy for me to say, and I'm going to have to try and defend Phil because he's going to be criticised like Becks was after the last World Cup.

"But Phil is big enough and strong enough to accept the criticism because that's part and parcel of being a footballer.

"No doubt Phil will be a better person and a better player because of that."

United's Euro 2000 contingent returned to training from their extended break at the end of last week although French goalkeeper Barthez was not expected to meet his new team mates until later this week.

He had been expected at Old Trafford today but his arrival has been delayed after the World Cup and Euro 2000 winner played in a testimonial in Marseille last night - a game which Ferguson also attended.

Fans wanting to get a closer look at Manchester United's new red kit on Saturday could be disappointed. Although the strip has been unveiled is not officially launched until August.