The news that Wes Brown has moved on to Sunderland won’t exactly be met with cries of “TRAITOR”, nor sighs of despair at losing one of our greatest treasures.
United fans can bid a fond farewell to one of our greatest servants, who leaves with pride following a 15 year career as a Red. Brown has been one of the most unfortunate members of our first team, but can hold his head high in the knowledge that he will be remembered and heartily received by all who recall his robust, no nonsense style of play in his time at Manchester United.
My fondest Wes Brown memory is one I got to relive recently. Last season, when Chicarito scored his now infamous “back-header” against Stoke, my first thoughts were, “That’s a bit like the goal Wes Brown scored against Liverpool before Mascherano-gate,” and thanks to the wonders modern that is YouTube, I soon found myself watching most of one of my favorite United performances against Liverpool!
Back in present day, Brown’s move leaves me ever more aware of his misfortune. Once a prize defender, many forget there was a time Brown was Rio’s choice partner in crime. Vidic’s arrival synced up with another Brown injury and Rio and Nemanja’s partnership kept Wes out of the starting line up. But far from being disheartened, Brown bounced back and in turn took Gary Neville’s place at right back and has only recently been usurped by the emergence of the twins who look to have locked down the spot between them.
Brown’s injury sheet must give Kieran “I bruise like a peach” Dyer, a run for his money, but how often did we see the Manc born and bred defender bounce back, fight for his place an earn accolades for performances? The highest being Fergie’s laud that Brown is United’s most naturally talented defender. Fergie has once again chipped in, saying,
“It’s always the hardest of decisions to let loyal servants go. But life moves on and, unquestionably, Wes will get the chance to make a real contribution to Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and I’m delighted to be passing him into such good hands. Everyone connected with United wishes him a long and happy stay at Sunderland.”
A quick scan of Brown’s medal collection – 5 Premier League, 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions League and 4 Community Shields – shows the vast void some lucky up and comer is going to have to fill in the coming seasons.
And with the news that Sunderland are hoping to score a United hat-trick by adding Gibson to their ranks alongside Brown and O’Shea, the way is paved for someone to stand up and be counted to fill those boots as diligently, patiently and stubbornly as Wes Brown.
I will always remember his left footed cross that he provided for Ronaldo goal in the 2008 Champions League victory. That was the best season of his career and he played right back throughout.
Brown will be missed, but he suffered too many injuries in the end. He might have been as good as Ferdinand had he not kept getting injured. He hasn’t featured much over the last two years and is right to move on. I wish him and O’Shea, another fantastic servant for the club, the best of luck.
I hope he gets the respect that he deserves when we play Sunderland over the coming seasons. Great servant to the club.
couldnt agree more nice one
With respect i think we will miss O’Shea more. Good luck though Wes.
yeah 2008 double winning season wes at right back was one of the main reasons we won so much that season pity bout injurys saha another unlucky player with injurys was great early that season i loved 99 season and will always remember it fondly but for some reason 07 08 and 09 plus last season have been special for me cos i worryed so much about arsenals unbeaten season in 04 then chelseas emergance as a title winning team it felt like the dream was over especially as the transition from the keano years didn,t seem to be going too smoothly so to win the league in 07 it felt like we were back with rooney and ronaldo firing that season but 08 was like a dream,so with a new season ahead with some new faces de gea for me has the biggest weight on his shoulders in an area we could be vulnerable which might unsettle our back four.but just like that transition period between 03 and 07 fergie knows well what hes at .been there done that won the trophy
thank you wes…
Ive said thanks and wished him well in just about every UTD blog going . But , im also thinking he wasnt consistant at the end edged out by better players . Hard i know but the UTD way . We face a tough challenge this season plus SAFs burning desire now to topple Barca .Head rules heart the right choice has been made .
Agreed. A few cracks were beginning to show in his game and I’d like to think it was due to a lack of playing time. It simply is time for both Wes and United to move on. Tough business this football thing!