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.

 

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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'!"

 

Berba fears new rival

DIMITAR BERBATOV fears his flagging Manchester United career will come under even more pressure if they buy a new striker.

The hitman, who yesterday quit international football with Bulgaria, has been a flop since his £30.75million move from Spurs two seasons ago.

Boss Alex Ferguson is already looking to sign either Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka or Real Madrid's Karim Benzema for the next campaign.

Berbatov, 29, has two years left on his deal and admitted: "I'm sure United will buy a new striker - but I am there and that's important.

"I will try to fulfil my contract because where would I go after United? I have reached the top with them. I do not know about interest from other clubs and I have had no meetings.

"In my two years, things could have been better but they could have been worse, too. I have had my moments.

"I have won the title and the Carling Cup but people had great expectations for the money it cost to sign me. We do not know what will happen in the third year."

Bayern ace wants Vidic deal

BAYERN MUNICH striker Ivica Olic has called on his club to sign Nemanja Vidic this summer.

The Manchester United defender has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But should the 28-year-old be eyeing the exit door, Bayern ace Olic believes Germany would provide a better home.

He said: "When I heard Bayern were aware of him as a player I told him to join our club and get to know a different sort of league.

"He is definitely under contract at one of the best clubs in the world and he is absolutely one of the best defenders in England.

"But if he is really eyeing a transfer, Bayern should be a serious contender.

"I am always telling him that down here in Munich life is beautiful for you and your family."

Player review: Ferdinand

Despite becoming England captain, Rio Ferdinand endured a frustrating 2009/10...

Story of the season: "The day after a game I would waddle into the club like a duck, bent over like an old hunchback,” Rio admitted when describing the back injury which ravaged his campaign. The manner with which Fernando Torres brushed aside the defender's attentions at Anfield in October prompted a moment of clarity: "We made a decision to rest it completely before I could return to the team." In his first game back, Rio’s off-the-ball clash with Hull's Craig Fagan yielded a three-game ban, subsequently extended to four for what the FA deemed a frivolous appeal. Finally back for March’s hard-fought win at Wolves, Rio reprised his partnership with Nemanja Vidic and turned in a string of typically unflustered performances as the season wound to a close. There was another late injury scare when he tweaked a groin muscle and dislocated a finger in the goalless draw at Blackburn, but Rio’s determination to play on demonstrated his unerring commitment to the cause.

Finest moment: Ferdinand and Vidic shouldered plenty of flak after three successive defeats to Liverpool between 2008 and 2009. Although Fernando Torres escaped the entire defence’s attentions to open the scoring at Old Trafford in March, the manner with which Rio snuffed out the visitors’ threat throughout the game exorcised some lingering demons. Sadly no goals for the lofty defender to celebrate, although he did come close with a superb hooked volley at home to Fulham.

What’s in store? Rio will be intent on attaining and retaining full fitness ahead of next season, especially with the ever-improving Jonny Evans pushing for further involvement and new signing Chris Smalling arriving from Fulham.

 

 

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Man United eyeing £36million double swoop for Diarra and Borriello

Sir Alex Ferguson is ­lining up a £36million ­double swoop for AC Milan striker Marco Borriello and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The Manchester United boss wants his transfer business completed before the World Cup – and will offer £16m for Borriello and £20m for Diarra.

United’s move raises ­serious doubts about the futures of ­Dimitar Berbatov and Owen Hargreaves.

Borriello, a powerful ­target man, is viewed as the perfect foil for Wayne ­Rooney after Berbatov’s failure to fill the role in the two years since he arrived in Manchester from Spurs for a club record £30.75m.

The Bulgarian quit ­international football this week to concentrate on United next season.

Diarra is ­surplus to requirements at Madrid after failing to meet expectations ­following his £20m arrival from Portsmouth in 2008.

He would bring the kind of physical presence that United have lacked.

Player review: Evra

Patrice skippered United to silverware, and was a study in consistency all season...

Story of the season: Sir Alex Ferguson’s reliance on rotation is infamous, so it speaks volumes for the form and fitness levels of Patrice Evra that he should start every single Premier League game until mid-April’s draw at Blackburn. Even then, the Frenchman was introduced as a late substitute to inject the pace and purpose required as the Reds sought in vain to snatch victory. While Wayne Rooney’s scoring exploits deservedly snared him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, Evra was prominent among the also-rans, receiving an honourable mention from Sir Alex at the end of the campaign. That was the least the 28-year-old deserved for a string of performances which rarely dipped below excellent, even when surrounded by midfielders moonlighting in defence in December. Evra skippered the Reds to victory over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final, further evidencing that the little man is a huge presence on the field and in the dressing room.

Finest moment: Despite a spate of speculative potshots, Evra failed to score throughout 2009/10 – not that he didn’t contribute to some big goals, mind. His errant drive forced Anton Ferdinand to concede an injury-time own goal in September’s draw at Old Trafford, and handful of other assists included, most memorably, his floated cross which Paul Scholes headed home in the final seconds of April’s Manchester derby at Eastlands.

What’s in store? More of the same, please. Patrice may have more competition next term if John O’Shea and Fabio achieve sustained fitness, but they have an almighty task to dislodge a player Sir Alex trusts inherently.


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