Player review: Brown

Injury forced Wes out of the run-in, but his contribution was immense when his team-mates were suffering on the treatment table…

Story of the season: With injuries affecting the United’s back line through much of the autumn and winter, Wes stepped up when Rio Ferdinand was out with back problems and strung together a series of solid performances. His appearances in the team were interrupted when he suffered a thigh strain just before Christmas, an injury that left United without a recognised defender in the starting line-up in the match against Fulham. But he returned for the league games against Hull and Wigan, and United were immediately back to winning ways. His form this season earned him England call-ups for the friendlies against Brazil in November and champions of Africa Egypt in March, after more than a year away from the international scene. His appearance at Wolves at the start of March was his last of the season after he suffered a broken metatarsal. He returned to the squad at the end of April and was an unused sub for two of United’s final three games.

Finest moment: This goal will be remembered by most for Wayne Rooney’s exquisite assist to Dimitar Berbatov, but it was only made possible by the artful application of Wesley’s sturdy bonce. Away at the KC Stadium, United were 2-1 up but the points far from secure in the face of a vibrant showing from Hull City. Brown strode forward to attack a clearance from keeper Boaz Myhill’s, thumping it fully 50 yards into Rooney’s path as accurately as any Paul Scholes pass. Wazza took a couple of touches and threaded the ball through Anthony Gardner’s legs to find Berbatov for a tap-in at the far post.

What’s in store? Two seasons ago, Wes signed a five-year deal to keep him at the club until 2013, so we’ll be seeing him around for a good while yet. There will be added competition for places at centre-back next term with young Chris Smalling joining from Fulham, but Brown’s dedication and versatility mean there will always be a place for him in Sir Alex’s plans.

 

ManUtd.Com

 

I'll only retire when United are at the top

Sir Alex Ferguson last night promised he will only retire if Manchester United are top dogs in English football.

After a month of uncertain smoke signals about Fergie's shelf life at Old Trafford, the United boss has finally decided his final curtain must wait until they have reclaimed their Premier League crown from Chelsea.

Speaking at a Lord's Taverners tribute to former England coach Sir Bobby Robson, Ferguson insisted he would not leave his successor a team in decline like the one he inherited from Ron Atkinson in 1986.

He refused to rule out retirement before he reaches the 25th anniversary of his spell in charge of United - a milestone he will reach in 18 months - but Fergie said: "If we hit a bad spell, it would not be the right time to go.

"I would not want to put the new manager into a situation where he was taking over a bad team. I want to leave United in a good, healthy position."

Ferguson has already performed one U-turn on retirement, announcing his intention to quit eight years ago only to reconsider his position, and he added: "In 2002, I made the decision on a whim. The age 60 sounded good, I'd won the European Cup and a lot of people were saying, 'You'll never do that again.'

"There are a lot of silly things that go through your mind - one line was that Manchester United didn't want another Matt Busby situation and all that nonsense, but after I made the decision the performance of the team went downhill and it was a nightmare.

"On New Year's Eve, we went out for for dinner and when we came back I fell asleep on the couch. My wife, Cathy, came in with the three boys behind her, she kicked my foot and said, 'You are not retiring'!"