Red boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the appearance of his club captain.
"It's been a long time for the boy. About 13 months now.
"We didn't know where to play him that was the problem but he just wandered about getting a feel of the ball.
"It was a great reception he got from the fans and it's good to have the boy back.
"In the last couple of months he's had a special programme to regain his fitness and his experience will be invaluable."
Neville told Sky Sports 2: "I hope for this season I can come in and play a small part because it's frustrating missing run-ins.
"I got a good reception. Constantly over the last 12 months people have been asking me 'when are you coming back' and it can get a bit embarrassing at times.
"The fans have always been great to me and they were tonight."