shortly after the former Manchester United defender agreed
to become the new coach of Valencia.
Neville took the reins at Mestalla on December 2 in what is
his first managerial role, following the resignation of Nuno
Espirito Santo from the Liga club.
Ferguson, who managed Neville at United throughout his
entire playing career at club level, revealed the advice he
gave during a personal visit from his former captain.
"I spoke to him; he came over to my house. And I said 'be
yourself, trust your conviction, like you've done throughout
your playing career and it has never let you down'. And I
think that will help him," Ferguson said at the TechCrunch
Disrupt London event.
Neville signed a contract with Valencia until the end of this
season and watched from the stands during their 1-1 draw
with Barcelona on Saturday.
He takes charge for the first time against Lyon in the
Champions League on Wednesday, with the Spanish outfit
needing a win to progress to the knockout stages while
hoping that Gent fail to beat Zenit St Petersburg in the other
match in Group H.
The 40-year-old will combine his duties with his England
coaching role under Roy Hodgson and, while Ferguson
believes Neville has taken a leap of faith in accepting the
job, the former United manager is confident that he has the
characteristics to succeed in Spain.
"Typical Gary, that he has got the courage to do something
like this. It's a big step for him from owning Salford City to
managing Valencia," he added.
"But he has got the football experience and he has got the
role with England which will help him too.
"But the most important thing he has got is an incredible
determination about him and he is a good decision-maker.
He is prepared to make a decision. He has that positive
attitude and he is a winner, an absolute winner, and I think
he will do well."
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