NEVILLE: NO RIFT WITH STAM
The Dutch international, a cornerstone of the 1999 treble-winning side, was surprisingly sold to Serie A giants Lazio in a £16.5 million for what Sir Alex Ferguson claimed as "purely football reasons".
However, Stam's ill-timed autobiography "Head-to-Head", in which he criticised Neville and several other Red Devils team-mates, is thought to have acted as a catalyst for the defender's departure.
"It's sad to see anybody go, especially when you've enjoyed a big part of your success with them and they've been a big part of the squad," Neville told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"But the manager is the best person who decides as to who plays or who doesn't for Manchester United, and everybody trusts him in that respect.
"Obviously, there was a lot made about divisions in the dressing room regarding Jaap, but that was never the case.
"Jaap was accepted by everybody at the club when he first arrived, and was still treated the same at the end.
"He really got on well with everybody. I'm not just saying that. It is genuinely true. People seem to find it difficult to believe.
"But there were passages in the book, not just about me, but David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, where he said a lot of complimentary things about us.
"I've tried to call him since he left, but without much luck, although I'm hoping to speak to him soon because I've always got on brilliantly with him."
Stam, 29, signed for a then record £10.75 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven and quickly made his mark at the so-called "theatre of dreams" and his move to Rome stunned United fans all over the globe.
Ferguson has recruited veteran Laurent Blanc as a replacement for the powerful defender but whether he can fill the huge void left by Stam will not be known until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Stam has once more urged United to come clean over the reason for his sale.
Stam's agent, Henk Ban Ginkel, added: "What frustrates Jaap is he still doesn't know why he was sold.
"Was it because of his book, or the offer they received from Lazio - he just wants Man Utd to be honest."
