Manchester United’s Class of ’92 continue to make waves off the pitch, with their Salford City project attracting fresh attention as the new season approaches.
As Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed rise into the Championship dominates headlines, comparisons between the two celebrity-owned clubs have become increasingly common across fan forums and football circles.
Salford, now preparing for another season in League Two, have been quietly rebuilding under the stewardship of experienced manager Karl Robinson, hoping to bounce back after narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season.
With new investment and a renewed focus on infrastructure, Salford are aiming to take the next step in their ambitious rise through the English football pyramid.
Despite the momentum around Wrexham, Salford co-owner Gary Neville has dismissed any suggestion of envy toward Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s success story.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Gary Neville made it clear that he operates differently, stating: “I don’t wish I was any other football club, I don’t work or operate like that.”
Neville, along with fellow Manchester United legends Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, has helped drive Salford from non-league football to the EFL, earning four promotions in five seasons early in their journey.
In May, Gary Neville and his longtime friend David Beckham finalised a buyout of their fellow Class of ’92 members, transferring Salford City’s ownership to a new consortium that also features former banker Lord Mervyn Davies.
While progress has slowed, Neville insists the club’s plan is long-term and purpose-driven.
“With new owners, we’ve got a plan whereby in four to five years, I’d like to think Salford would be more successful on the pitch,” he explained.
“We will also have invested in our training ground and stadium, and be in a position whereby we can achieve sustainability.”
He added that the real focus is to “grow revenues, be successful on the pitch, become sustainable and ensure we still meet those values of being affordable and accessible that we had from day one.”
Salford, like Wrexham, have also leaned into the media space, starring in their own documentaries across BBC and Sky Sports.
With Robinson at the helm and more transfer activity on the cards, Neville remains confident that Salford’s rise is far from over—no matter how bright the spotlight may shine on Wrexham.
