Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender and co-owner of League Two side Salford City, said on 15 August that American investors will continue to put money into English football despite periodic criticism of foreign ownership. "The game's in great shape," Neville said, describing US backers as "some pretty smart people." Neville’s comments come as investment from the United States remains a significant force in the English game, with several Premier League and lower-division clubs now under American majority or minority control. He argued that the influx of foreign capital has strengthened club finances and the overall competitiveness of English leagues.