Gary Neville to spend testimonial cash on supporters' club
The proceeds of Manchester United defender Gary Neville's testimonial match will go towards a new supporters' club and hotel, he has confirmed.
Neville, 36, wants the development to be built near Old Trafford, just off Sir Matt Busby Way.
He is due to apply for planning permission later this year, in the hope the complex will open in time for the 2013-14 season.
United are due to play Juventus for the testimonial on 24 May.
Neville said he wanted to "create something special for the fans".
'Positive for Beckham'
"I obviously want to say thank you for the way in which they have behaved and treated me in the past 15 to 16 years," he said. "It has been unbelievable."
The supporters' club, by the Manchester Ship Canal, would host up to 1,500 fans on match days.
"I hope they can go in there, drink, sing and have a good time," Neville said.
Manchester United's chief operating officer, Michael Bolingbroke, said: "This is a very exciting project and the club wishes Gary every success with it.
"The location will give fans a great view of their favourite stadium and the design of the building will greatly enhance the skyline of the area."
Neville said he was looking forward to the testimonial and was "confident" the so-called Class of '92 would get back together for the game.
Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have already confirmed they will be playing.
He is also in contact with David Beckham, and said: "It is looking positive but we still have a couple of things to sort out."
Neville is also planning a project in Malta, where he has had links for many years.