Neville has been out of action for eight months

The 32-year-old, who has been out with calf and ankle problems since March, was expected to play in Thursday's reserve-team clash with Liverpool.

But the game has come too early for the England defender, although United have stressed he has not suffered a setback in his recovery programme.

United's next reserve game is not until 1 November, effectively ruling Neville out of an October first-team comeback.

Neville picked up an ankle ligament injury in United's Premier League game against Bolton in March and underwent an operation during the summer.

But further calf and thigh injuries have further restricted his chances this season.