The Portugal international was thrown straight into the line-up, despite only arriving in Manchester on Thursday.
Even though the Red Devils struggled to breakdown Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neville was pleased with what he saw from United's new No.18.
"It's early days but I like what he did. I thought he did okay, it was a difficult game for him," Neville told Sky Sports.
"We've heard a lot about his assists and his goals and how he can affect games at the front of the pitch, but when he was moved into more of a holding midfield role alongside Fred in the second half I actually thought he did quite well.
"He showed a lot of experience and discipline to not expose himself too much.
"In the first half he was in a number 10 role and he reminded me a bit of what Juan Sebastien Veron used to do when he first came to Manchester United.
"He charged around everywhere and moved everywhere. He was busy and was looking for spaces but didn't really play in a position.
"I preferred him in the second half when he was a little more controlled and I thought it was a decent debut from him.
"Fred has emerged in recent weeks and those two could control games - there is some promise there."