Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Gary Neville sought his advice after making the decision to become Valencia manager.
Neville was appointed as Valencia's new boss last Wednesday, signing a contract until the end of the current season at the Mestalla Stadium.
The 40-year-old has been working as an England coach under Roy Hodgson since 2012 and will remain in the role despite taking up his first managerial position.
Neville made a personal visit to his former Manchester United manager, who he played his entire career under, to discuss his move to Spain.
"I spoke to him, he came over to my house. And I said 'be yourself, trust your conviction, like you've done throughout your playing career and it has never let you down'. And I think that will help him," Ferguson said.
On Saturday, Neville watched from the stands as his new side drew 1-1 with reigning La Liga champions Barcelona.
He will take charge of his first match on Wednesday, a crucial Champions League match against Lyon at the Mestalla.
Victory over the French side, coupled with defeat for Gent at Zenit St Petersburg, will see Valencia claim a place in the last 16.
Ahead of the Group H match, Ferguson has backed Neville to be a success in Spain.
"Typical Gary, that he has got the courage to do something like this. It's a big step for him from owning Salford City football club to managing Valencia," he added.
"But he has got the football experience and he has got the role with England which will help him too.
"But the most important thing he has got is an incredible determination about him and he is a good decision-maker. He is prepared to make a decision. He has that positive attitude and he is a winner, an absolute winner, and I think he will do well."
When asked whether he felt a move to Spain would provide Neville with an easier job, Ferguson added: "No, it's more difficult. First of all he has the language barrier. And of course he is going to try to correct that and make sure he is taking lessons every day.
"That is a proper step and he has got to do that, he has to have communication with the players, who will appreciate he is trying.
"You know British people don't necessarily buy in to languages and always depend on people being able to speaking English. In this situation Gary has got to learn Spanish."