January 4th 2001: “There is no doubt Wes is an outstanding young centre half,” said Jaap Stam. “He has pace, is good in the air and is a fantastic tackler. He is as good as any English centre-half in the Premiership, certainly alongside Jon Woodgate and Rio Ferdinand. The way he is playing at the minute, he obviously has a fantastic future ahead of him. I’m just looking forward to getting back into the team and playing alongside him.”
January 25th 2001: Brown favourite for England
April 9th 2001: Wes in PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist
June 19th 2001: “I’m a Manchester lad and would love to play for United for the rest of my career,” said Brown. “I’m hoping to start contract talks soon, in the next month, and am confident of everything going smoothly. It has always been my dream to play for United – and it still is. Playing for any other team, no matter who it is, would be an anti-climax for me.”
July 9th 2001: “I have been here a long time and I am looking forward to new challenges and that is what Manchester United is all about,” said Brown. “I’ve always said that I want to play for Manchester United, and signing this contract, which keeps me here until 2005, shows that. With me joining everyone else in signing, it just proves how much we love Manchester United.”
September 8th 2001: “I think Wes Brown is the best in England,” said Ferguson. “He’s better than Sol Campbell, he’s better than Rio Ferdinand, he will be a fantastic player.”
October 25th 2001: “I’ve played at the highest level in Holland, England and now Italy, and for me Wes stands out head and shoulders above any player I’ve come accross of his age,” said Stam. “He’s a phenomenal prospect and it’s frightening when you think he’ll improve as he gets more experience. There’s no doubt in my mind that Wes has got the potential to be one of the greatest defenders in Europe.”
October 27th 2002: “I just hope the lad gets a break now, stays clear of injuries and gets on with a long spell of playing because he is a tremendous player,” said Ferguson. “He has a smashing temperament and I have never had any fears about how he would handle the situation. All he needs is a bit of luck.”
February 7th 2003: “Wes helped me out a lot, showing me around when I first moved here, and you owe people like that,” said Rio Ferdinand. “On the field, he’s been brilliant. He’s been badly affected by injuries over the last couple of seasons but he’s having a new lease of life.”
February 11th 2004: ”My fitness is getting better,” said Brown. ”I could still be better, but the fitness is beginning to come now. The lads were playing brilliantly, but Rio is out for a while now and I’ve just come back into the side and we’ve let some goals in. I’ve not been playing top-notch, so I can understand it (the criticism). I’ve had my ups and downs, so I won’t let it get to me and will keep working at my game.”
April 9th 2004: “The people who are now saying Wes should go to Euro 2004 are the same as those that were slaughtering the guy and saying he was finished,” said Ferguson. “I made my point about Wes, he is one of the best natural defenders in the country and my opinion hasn’t changed.”
May 22nd 2004: “I’ve been here since I was 13 and don’t want to be anywhere else,” said Brown.
July 14th 2004: “My injuries have always stopped me achieving something,” said Brown. “It’s always halted my progress for six or eight months at a time. But you just have to keep your head up and believe in yourself and keep working. I love football. I wouldn’t be there playing if I didn’t love it so much. I don’t think you lose that desire and will to win, it’s just that when you have been out so long your body has to catch up with what your mind is thinking.”
October 2nd 2004: “We’ve made the boy an offer and he’s turned it down,” said Ferguson. “It’s his decision. He can please himself – there are no more talks planned that I’m aware of. We’d like to avoid the situation where he leaves on a free transfer. If he wants to stay we would love that. But if he wants to look elsewhere that’s up to him – there’s nothing you can do with modern-day footballers. He has changed his agent – I don’t know why. He’s got an agent that has given him advice that I do not understand. I think the problem is with the agent, not the player.”
November 4th 2004: “We are all delighted by the news,” said Ferguson over Brown’s new deal. “Over the last few weeks there has been a great deal of uncertainty and that has been a worry. I have known Wes since he was 13 years old and have watched and seen him grow into a splendid young man. I couldn’t bare to lose him, I didn’t want to lose him. I am thrilled that Wes has decided to commit his future here and I hope that he will enjoy his career at Manchester United.”
November 5th 2004: ”It’s great for me. I never wanted to leave Manchester United and now it’s all sorted – done and dusted,” said Brown. ”I was just waiting for the right one (contract) and now everyone has agreed it’s fine. Everything is back on track and I can just get on with playing. I think they have offered me a contract that proves I am part of their future set-up. It’s great to know and I’m delighted it’s all agreed and signed.”
October 27th 2005 (after returning from achilles injury): “From now on I have just got to keep training hard for when I am needed,” said Brown. “I have got to keep working on my fitness and play as many games as possible.”
February 23rd 2006: “That is the main thing you have to avoid – rushing back,” said Brown. “After two or three weeks, you feel normal, you are walking normally and you feel like you should be ready to do everything. It does your head in but you have to be patient and take it slowly. Ole would be one of the first in and when everyone had gone, he would still be in the gym. He worked so hard to get where he is now. I was like the fans. I could not wait until he had pulled on that shirt again.”
April 15th 2006: “I would take Wes to the World Cup and I have told Sven that,” said Ferguson. “When you look at John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell, I realise Sven has a lot of options but if I was England manager I would take him. Wes is an outstanding defender. A real, true, natural defender and fantastic to have in your squad. He has turned into a really important player for us.”
January 5th 2007: “I’m a Manchester lad and Old Trafford is still the only place for me,” said Brown. “My contract runs to 2008 and I would love to see out my career at United. I’ve no intention of going elsewhere.”
July 21st 2007: “Talk about me leaving this summer was rubbish really,” said Brown. “I love being a Manchester United player and I have never thought about going anywhere else. There is always competition for places here. We have brought in some more new faces and the team is looking young and good. It will be great to be involved this season. Throughout my career I’ve always been a squad player. The manager knows he can pick me and I can do a good job, so I’m very happy here. Leaving United is a conversation I would dread to have with the gaffer. I love playing for United. It’s my home town, so I’m just glad to still be here after all the injuries I’ve had. Leaving would be a step down.”
July 23rd 2007: “Wes likes it here and we will be looking to extend his deal,” said Gill.
September 1st 2007: “I always want to play,” said Brown. “That’s the main thing. If I was here and didn’t play a game then that would be completely different. But I can honestly say that when I have been fit I’ve played maybe 25-plus games a season. That’s a good amount. When everyone is fit, I don’t get on the pitch. But it’s a squad game. Throughout my time here I’ve always played the same role.”
September 22nd 2007: “I have always tried my best for the team,” said Brown. “I have been here nine years now and I would do anything for the club. It is good to know how highly I am valued by the manager. It is certainly hard to imagine ever playing for anyone else. Hopefully that won’t happen. I am happy here and hopefully I can stay here.”
December 7th 2007: “We have had several meetings with Wes’ agent but they have rejected our last offer,” said Ferguson. “It is a good offer but it is our final one. That is the end of it now and we won’t be going back. There is a possibility Wes could leave, which would be very disappointing.”
January 4th 2008: Newcastle put in a bid to sign Wes Brown
January 16th 2008: “We would clearly want Wes to stay,” said Gill. “He’s a local boy who has come through the ranks. I think he wants to stay. We’ve made him what we believe is an excellent offer, but we’ve not reached an agreement. So we’ll see how it unfolds.”
February 22nd 2008: “Players of today live in their agents’ pockets,” said Ferguson. “It’s a situation which depresses me at times, it really depresses me. Wes has been with us since he was 12, but I don’t think that matters these days. Players’ agents live their lives for them and if you are happy to go along with that, you get the situation you have got just now. But Wes knows this and the other players have told him. We wouldn’t have made the offer if we hadn’t had faith in him. It’s in his hands. It’s amazing really given that he has had such a good season and has had such a good run of games while Gary has been injured.”
April 18th 2008: Wes Brown signs new deal
April 18th 2008: “I don’t think there’s any club for Wes Brown other than Manchester United, he’s a Manchester United player and I was always quietly confident,” said Ferguson.
April 22nd 2008: “Manchester United is a fantastic club and I am delighted to have signed a new deal,” said Brown. “To be part of a team I have supported all my life is a great honour. I can see this team winning many trophies in the coming seasons and it will be great to share in that success.”
April 22nd 2008: “I am delighted Wes has signed a new contract, he has grown up at this club and is an integral part of the squad,” said Ferguson. “He has done a great job during Gary’s absence and has been a major factor in our outstanding defensive performance.”
April 30th 2008 (after beating Barcelona in European Cup semi-final): “To single out the really important people, you have to go to Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand really because they took most of the pressure,” said Sir Bobby Charlton. “The whole game everything went through the middle. If Messi came in, he came in on his left-hand side, which was central, and every time he came in there was somebody to block his shot and it was Wes Brown or Rio Ferdinand, they were just sensational.”
May 4th 2008: “Wes has been doing it all season and you expect big performances from him,” said Rio. “Gary Neville is fit now but he’s still managed to keep his place – and that speaks volumes for the way Wes has been playing. The manager has great confidence in him, he’s a fantastic professional and I always feel comfortable playing alongside him.”
May 7th 2008: “Two more wins and we’ve got two trophies. That’s what we’re aiming for,” said Brown. “We’ve played well all season so to throw it away now would be very disappointing. We know the title is ours if we win at Wigan and we’re all looking forward to the Champions League final in Moscow. It won’t be easy but we want both trophies and we’ll do everything we can to get them.”
September 22nd 2009: “It was frustrating not to be able to build on where I was at the end of 2008,” said Brown. “Getting injured for the most of last season was not very pleasant but I am used to it I suppose. There is no point thinking ‘why me?’ I just get on with it and try to be confident. I am fit at the moment. That is the main thing.”
November 25th 2009: “I have been injured on so many occasions, I am used to coming back and trying to getting back into the team,” said Brown. “That has happened again this season. The injuries have been frustrating but this is the only place I have ever wanted to be and Manchester United is the only club I have ever wanted to play for. I am still happy to do that.”
Brown admits he is happy to pass on his experiences over his injuries to young players.
“A lot of the younger players come to me for advice. I just tell them to listen to the physios because whatever injury I have suffered, their advice always meant that I was able to come back. I have great trust in them. Injured players just have to believe in themselves, work hard, and you will get back really fit.”
November 27th 2009: “When Wes Brown is fit, he is the best natural defender in the country,” said Ferguson. “I keep thinking he is only 22 or 23 but we were doing a summary of our players’ ages and contracts the other day and I saw Wes is 30. But he has such a young approach to life which you have to pay tribute to the lad for. He has done well to deal with all the things he has had to deal with and still come out fighting. Players need a run of games to achieve consistency and get the timing and tempo of their game correct. We are seeing that at the moment. Now he is fit again and looking fantastic, he gets better all the time. Long may it continue.”
July 12th 2010: “We were close last season but it was never really in our hands. We’ve got to make sure it is this season,” said Brown. “Like we say every year, the Premier League and the Champions League are the ones we really want to win, so we’ve got to come back better and stronger this season.”
August 8th 2010: “I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football,” said Brown. “At the age of 30 I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.”
October 2nd 2010: When asked if he was frustrated at not having a regular first-team spot this season, Brown said: “Yeah, a little bit. But I’ve always had to deal with that situation throughout my career. It’s something I’ve learned to handle. We’ve got lots of good players in defensive positions. I’m not in there at the moment. I have to keep training hard and, when I do get a chance, play well. All you can do is train hard. There’s no point sulking and letting it get to you. It might be difficult, but you have to remember that everyone wants to play every week. Unfortunately, that can’t happen.”
November 29th 2010: “I am not getting any younger now and every game I do play I just try to enjoy and do my best for the team,” said Brown. “You have to give everything for the cause. That is the most important thing for me.”
February 20th 2011: “I’ve not been getting in,” said Brown. “I’m working hard in training and that’s all I’ve been doing. I’ll keep my feet on the ground, keep training and see what happens.”
July 6th 2011: Wes Brown has a medical at Sunderland
Man Utd News 24/7
Never forgot Wes performance at the year we won double,I’m sure he’s best right back In the world at that year.
So it’s confirmed that JOS and brown will signed for sunderland?
How about Gibson?
So many senior players being offload might means more new signings from Sir Alex…
I can understand that he moves on. At Sunderland he would become a regular.
good luck to you big bad Wes. all the best at little United.
Goodbye lad.I have little problem with brown moving but I don’t understand O’shea’s transfer.Entering the new season with just 3 recognized fullbacks doesn’t make sense to me.Could the Izaguirre rumours be true?zaguirre rumours be true?
It’s a sad end to the United career of a player that should still be here.
He’ll be a great player for Sunderland, really great! Just as he was for us over the last 15 years! I’ll never forget his performance in the CL-semifinal vs Barcelona in 2008, or the assist in the Finael – what a great season that was!
Shouldn’t he also get a testimonial after more than 10 years of first-team-service?!?
I was in the odd position that Wesley took my fullback position in the Gtr Manchester County team back in the under 16 days… I wasn’t happy to say the least, but as I sat there on the bench, he was head and shoulders above anyone else on the team, so composed and calm in much the same way Rio is now. I quickly realised I couldn’t complain, he was loads better than me.
Over the years as I’ve watched him develop, he seemed to lose his confidence a bit distribution-wise but I’ve always loved the way he steamed into tackles. With him being out of favour for a couple of seasons, it’s easy to forget how good he was and I’m genuinely sad to see him go.
Poor Wes. This just feels wrong to me, so much different than when, say, Ronnie left. I feel Wes should still be playing. Best of luck lad, to you and O’Shea
I always loved watching wes defend, wholehearted, good in the air and hard tackler. Injuries deprived him greatly throughout his career.
So long wes…..
Wonder what Fergie said about him after Brown called him a cunt.
There’s a lot of praise in the timeline, especially in his early years, but then there is also a lot of contract trouble and injuries.
It is a bit sad to see him and O’Shea leave, though.
I don’t reckon our wingers look forward to coming up against Brown and his tackling. Think about it.
O’shea having his medical.
I’m fucking gutted. can’t believe we let our best squadplayer go.
Its one thing letting wes go, but O’shea is mind boggling. Not sure what SAF is up to. Some one pointed out yesterday; the twins struggle to play 90 mins or consecutive matches. Evra has his off days,quality player no doubt but comes up short in some games. JOS gives us height advantage and the assurance of a seasoned defender
With all the players mentioned leaving, I believe we could generate about 15millions. That would mean we had just spent ard 35-40millions on transfer this summer. Now I’m 100% sure SAF is going to sign a top-class midfielder. My guess is still wesley s from inter. Can’t wait for this summer to begin.
With the injury records of the Da Silva twins we’ve surely gotta be getting another fullback in with both O’Shea and Brown leaving. Yes Evans, Smalling, Jones and maybe even Fletcher can play at fullbacks, but I still feel like we would be a specialist fullback short within the squad – unless of course a youth team player is getting promoted.
All the best Wes, every tackle made with intent – intent to win the ball, but also intent to clean out the player too! Love it.
And to John O’Shea – great servant to the club, very consistent, very versatile, in my personal opinion should not be being sold, but now that he is I wish him well and he deserves the regular first team football he is no doubt going to get and I hope he enjoys it.
always loved this guy…
Its just that,in a sport like football,you cant rest on your oars..you need to be consistent,bcos other players also wanna play their own parts.Yeah,he had injury issues and lost alot of steam but he has always been a great guy to have in the team.
Wesley,good luck at the stadium of light.
We loved your time with us.
Gutted to hear bout him and Sheasy, both been here since youth and they always put in a gud shift. Good luck to the pair of them.
Thanks alot Big Bad Wes. A great servant and a fucking hard cunt.
This is hard to take. I trust the manager in letting them go but it feels we’re light on “united” players, the ones brought up through the ranks. We have Giggs (hopefully), Fletch, Welbeck, Cleverly and, maybe, Evans. The only recognised first team members in there are Giggs and Fletch and that’s odd for this club.
But we’ll be fine, we’re in transition and it’s probably best for the lads to leave so they can get som games… they’re to good to be bench warmers (at best) in my opinion.
Best of luck to you (O’Shea and Gibson included) and I wish you great careers at Stealth-United.
I remember when Wes came on as a sub against Barca away in the treble season. He had Zenden (who was a world class player at the time) in his back pocket. I pointed out to a mate to look out for him cus hes gonna be a hell of a player ….. It’s a shame to see him go and I really DO have a lump in my throat , Goodbye and goodluck !!!!!!!!
Are we trying to free up wages? Is Wes and O’Shea highly paid… rumour has it that O’Shea’s paid 80k a week and Brown is on 70k? I’m gutted we’re letting go players who have grown up with the club (even thought they are squad players and not the first choice), but still…. unless SAF is plotting something bigger than we all know.. Freed up wages of Wes, John & Gibson + Scholes & VDS for Sneijder?!
Wes Brown was one my favourite and unsung heroes of the double season. Looks like Injuries have hindered his development as a defender his whole career from young to old. Even when he was young, everyone was hoping that he would stay clear of niggling injuries.
I hate when the locals and academy boys leave, big name or small name its always sad news.
Goodbye Wes,Big John & Gibbo good luck at sunderland. They will recieve a nice welcoming embrace from United Supporter at OT at every appearance.I hope to be their that day.
Papii – You say
‘I hate when the locals and academy boys leave, big name or small name its always sad news.’
Same here my friend
King Eric
I think you summed it perfectly regarding Wes
It’s always sad to see any player leave UTD especially one’s who gave us so much commitment and dedication. Both have been wit us a long time and have provided us with many great memories which will be cherished, but it’s time to move on. Fergie never stands still he can’t allow it to happen. I know it’s a bit dodgy letting so many experienced first teamers go in one season but room has to be made for new signings and youth. Brown and JOS have went as far as they could with UTD. Thanks for the memories lads particularly JOS breakthrough season and Browns outstanding contribution at right back when we won the double. Cheers lads.
Was absolutely dreading him leaving. Basically watched his whole career, from the moment he first came onto the scene. Had he not been so unlucky with injuries, he’d have been a regular for both club and country, I’m 100% sure of it.
A couple of things stick out for me- THAT performance vs Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final at Villa park in 2004. He’d come back from a long injury and his form hadn’t been the best for the previous couple months. But he was a rock in that game- I remember one headed clearance off the line- and he had the Arsenal forwards on lock for the full 90 minutes. One of the best performances by a Utd centre back in the last decade
THAT season- 07/08, he played more games than anybody else. Rio and Vidic had established themselves at centre back, but had it not been for injuries, I’m sure Wes would have nailed down the RB spot for the next few years (would’ve delayed Rafael and Fabio though!). Was absolutely brilliant that season.
THAT goal vs Liverpool- the most unlikely of sources for the opening goal- I’m sure if you’d checked the odds before the game, only Edwin would’ve been a longer shot than Wes to score the first goal! Just ambled into the Scousers’ penalty area and headed that ball into the net- for a Utd lad like him it must’ve been an incredible feeling.
THAT performance vs Barcelona. Vidic missed both legs so Wes moved inside to play at CB, and he was immense both legs. Second leg was the one though, particularly the last 20 minutes. Him and Rio were so solid, and I distinctly remember one through ball right near the end of the game that Wes nicked away from Messi I think it was, right inside the penalty area. Again- will go down as one of the best performances by a Utd centre back in the last decade.
Best of luck to the guy!
Thanks Wes for everything you gave to United. A great servant and a top class defender. Never forget the time when he smashed that fucking cunt Henry with a great tackle at Highbury in the 2003/04 season. Hard as nails.
In 1995 Sir Alex let players such as Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis go, as a supporter I was gutted yet we all know what happened the following season. Now and again I am gutted to see JOS and Wes leave but In Sir Alex I trust…… The future is bright, the future is RED
Always liked Wes – great in the tackle both legal (put one of the Arse fullbacks in the stands) and otherwise (Riise comes to mind at Anfield some years back).
Good to you.
UNITED 20/4/12
good luck to Wes… great memories!! great performances with 2007/2008 being his best season by far… he played right back and centre back (remember Barca!?!) with no issues!!
its a shame to see him go… also a shame to see Sheasy get going to..
I would actually like Gibson to leave.. i like the guy but he has no future at United and could grow at another club..
Bardsley
Richardson
Campbell
Welback (loan)
Brown
O’ Shea
Gibson..
Sunderland = Manchester United B lol
CedarsDevil – and those 3 players you mentioned were sensational players for the club, those 3 in their prime would easily get into the united first 11, so it shows the boss is not afraid to make drastic changes
I think everyone is forgetting that we have to make room for the new players in order to fill out our squad list for the Prem, Cleverley is going to be 22 at the end of the transfer window so he will take up a spot, Obertan is now 22 as well so he will take up a spot. The likes of Phil Jones, Smalling and De Gea wont take up any spots this year as they are under 21, but they will in the next year or after so future planning is necessary, also, Young takes up a spot as well.
So without the Brown and O’shea transfers, we will have two open spots(VDS and Scholes), but three players needing spots. This might better explain why we are selling our older players (when they can at least get value).
Don’t worry Bruv we’ll never forget you were THE dog’s bollocks when you was fit.
United 1 – 0 Barcelona – Scholes’ brilliance aside, You, Evra and Rio put up one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen, and if I don’t remember nothing else (yeah right) I will always remember that night. Solid as a fucking Rock. Top player, Top bloke, Top Manc. Take it Easy Bruv.
FITB
One of the many reasons we have been such a success is because Sir Alex is shrewd and has the club’s best interest at heart
@PissedOffRed
Yeah, it might have to do with cutting back on what we pay in wages, as well as clearing the way for the new players. I heard a rumor recently that Young will get 130k a week, so maybe we had to make way for him. That being said, I don’t know how I am supposed to feel if buying the much needed CM means getting rid of two loyal and reliable servants…
He’s won the champions league for us.
I will always love him for that. For me, he is a red.
I wish him all the best with the black cats.
U really gotta give him and mr. O’shea a really big thanks for the services from them the last 10 years (or so). Wes has always been a warrior which we always grown fond of at United. Best of luck!
Wes Brown played that cross that Ronaldo headed in to the goal in Moscow in 2008. What a great season Brown had and what a great couple of games against Barcelona! We will miss Wes, but in Sir Alex we trust!
@Costas
My feelings exactly. Why should we get rid of players loyal to the club and carries the identity that is distinctively Man Utd for mercenaries like Nasri who have passed insults to our players.
Then again, Scholes and Neville are part of our coaching staff so I guess they will instill that mentality in our youths. Only SAF will know what direction he wants to club to go…… In SAF I trust.
AS the game moves on, so do players. There has always been turnover and we have always seen our “favorite” player move on. So many come to mind but Brown and JOS are front and centre today. Great servants to the club and did whatever they were asked from being a reserve player, to resting on the bench to subbing on late in a match to being in the starting. Do not get me started on the positions they played because they were both versatile. That is one reason that we will miss JOS as he could fill into many different positions.
On another note, who is going to the United game next Wednesday? Would like to meet up with folks in the lot pre-match. Send a separate e-mail to sccrdad@gmail.com if you are interested. So looking forward to seeing them here again as it has been several years since I went to the Community Shield match v Pompei (who???).
Good luck wes,would have been world class without the injuries.to bad had the falling out with sir alex after all the great years of service
Sad sad day for me. Its like seeing your better half with someone else, when you had no intention to split in the first place. But things just happen.
THANK YOU LADS FOR YOUR EVER LOYAL SERVICES.
/mourns
HEÄS BIG HE’S BAD HES WESLEY BROWN!!!!,
GREAT PLAYER HE IS!!,
WILL CERTANLY BE MISSED!,
If it wasn’t for his injuries would be the best centre half ever to have played for the club. People outside the club will realise how good he is when he makes the move. Absolutely gutted to see him go but I think its down to wages as well as lack of playing time.
off topic:apparantly nasri telling wenger today he wants to come to utd and won’t sign a new contract.last week utd had a 20mill bid turned down but with nasri only having a year left and utd being the only club he wants to come to,wenger won’t have much choice but to accept.
fuck off nasri. nasri fuck off.
good luck to nig bad wesley and sheasy
other news alvarez has signed for inter increasing the WS speculation
@Sparkz, Top post regarding the 2008 season mate which was the best in his career.
It showed what he was capable of when not being curtailed by injuries. To be honest, it makes me incredibly sad that he never reached the heights he was capable of. He was consistently injured. In a way, the career curve his mostly resembles is Michael Owen. Another great player and natural talent in his prime but he never reached the proper height he was consistently capable of because of injuries.
I would really like to know exactly what happened in that bus ride when Wes called Sir Alex a cunt. It is most definitely “the straw the broke the camel’s back”. Unfortunately, for Wes, one moment of madness may have cost him an opportunity to end his career at his boyhood club. Anyways, best of luck to him at Sunderland.
@Cedars, Yeah, but still people question whether Sir Alex is doing the right thing for United. I can handle any accusation against Sir Alex – that he got the tactics wrong, that he should’ve played some player etc. But the one thing that literally makes my blood boils is whenever people question whether Sir Alex is doing the right thing for Manchester United. That I cannot handle. Every move the great man makes is to improve the club’s standing as whole. Some people are too shortsighted to see that.
It is a sad day knowing that Wes has secured a move away and Sheasey is on the verge. Comforting to know that Brucie is there and will make them feel at home.
Its obvious that with the DaSilva boys coming through chomping at the bit that the needs for Oshea or Wes to fill in at RB deminishes with every game. They are too good to just sit and sometimes noy even make the bench. Alot of people have made alot of noise about Wes teeling the boss to “fuck off” but that is just frustration and part of “family life”. Im sure Fergie has thick skin and even though out loud in front of others it can be deemed as a dicipline issue, it was really just a family spat. Nothing more. Fergusson is a strict family father not a facist dictator.
I say good luck to them and a huge thank you for their service. I will be watching Sunderland to cheer them on this coming season as I hope alot of you will be too. Great servants to our club and even though the medal count may dry up, they will get a huge kick from playing regularly and making a difference to an otherwise tired town.
Good luck lads.
Sad day today, knowing both Wes Brown and John O’Shea’s time at United is coming to an end. As for Wes Brown, I ll always remember that goal he scored against Liverpool in 07/08 season, amazing performance against Barca and that assist in the CL Final. For John O’Shea that goal at Anfield that won our title back and that chip against Arsenal will always be remembered.
Just want to wish them both good luck and thank you for all those years of loyal service to United.
just goes to show you that even the most talented players need a bit of luck. If you took 10 cristiano ronaldos or 10 messi’s and put them into football at age 12 or whatever I’d be willing to bet only 1 or 2 make it to the top despite having the same ability. Survivorship Bias causes us to believe the best players get there out of shear will and determination and thats just not always the case.
Just becareful of what u wish for:
An example:
THE OSTRICH !
A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him.
The waitress asks them for their orders.
The man says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke,” and turns to
The ostrich, “What’s yours?”
“I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich.
A short time later the waitress returns with the order. “That will
Be $9.40 please” The man reaches into his pocket and
Pulls out the exact change for payment.
The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man
Says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke.”
The ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.”
Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.
This becomes routine until the two enter again. “The usual?”
Asks the waitress.
“No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and
A salad,” says the man.
“Same,” says the ostrich.
Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, “That will be $32.62.”
Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and
Places it on the table.
The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me,
Sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change
In your pocket every time?”
“Well,” says the man, “several years ago I was cleaning the attic and
Found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered
Me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything,
I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money
Would always be there.”
“That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would ask for a
Million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want
for as long as you live!”
“That’s right..Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact
money is always there,” says the man.
The waitress asks, “What’s with the ostrich?”
The man sighs, pauses and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick
with a big ass and long legs who agrees with everything I say..”
Like many others I can’t help feeling nostalgic at the thought of Wes & O’Shea moving on. One thing Sir Alex has always proven though is that time never stands still and if you want to be winners you have to change & evolve.
After the service these guys have given over the years, who can begrudge them a final pay day & a game every week. Nothing beats playing at whatever level & I for one look fwd to watching these guys play week in week out knowing that they are Reds through & through & still will be trying to stick it up the *Mickys / Bitters / Gooners (delete as appropriate)
Lets make sure we give them a massive welcome home next season when they return to OT.
@ Goat – Easy mate, spot on about the “outburst” – Alex is from working class Glasgow FFS, im sure a lot of shit has been said over the years, but the Media got the scoop on that one. No big deal, I doubt very much that had anything to do with Brown’s career since. Alex saw him grow up from 13-30, Brown is like a son to him, one rude word thrown about all the time won’t change that.
I still can believe Wes and John will be playing for another team next season
SINGLE BEST DEFENSIVE DISPLAY I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVER!
UNITED 1 BARCA 0
WES BABYSAT FOR THE HOPELESS RIO THE WHOLE MATCH.
INCREDIBLE.
CHEERS WES
I don’t think there’ll be as much fuss when Gibson goes.
Best wishes Wes, thanks for all you have done, @Sparks spot on about Wes in our CL push to victory.
I don’t think it’s that sad really. I mean we’re losing two great players, but they’ve had a good run, and they are going to become heroes for Sunderland. Which has got to be better than warming a bench at United, especially for a player like Wes who really has been out in the cold.
I also think that, like Phil Neville did at Everton, they can grow at a smaller club and really become the first team players that they deserve to have been. The thing is both these lads will dig deep, both of them are hard workers and hard fighters. You put them in a team like Sunderland and they will be leaders by example and they will make that squad stronger. Our loss is their gain.
And I think it’s important that smaller teams in the league do gain. I would rather we sold players than leave them to rot on the bench. There’s a hell of a lot of ex-United players sprinkled around the league, as players and managers, and that can only be a good thing for the teams they end up at. And that can only be a good thing for us, because it makes the league better and more entertaining (and because let’s face it, they put in a double shift against our rivals).
So it’s the end of an era, losing O’Shea and Brown, but I’m sure they’ll do great things at Sunderland, greater things anyway than watching trophies get won from the sidelines, and I wish them nearly every success (barring success against us, naturally).
This might sound like a crazy thing to say, but I actually think Sunderland under Bruce could be in for a shout at some Europe if they can steady up at the back. They were prone to going to bits last season. But if they stay solid and put in the work they could be right up there. Brown and Sheasy will certainly help with that. Considering the resources Brucey hasn’t got at that club he’s showing himself to be a shrewd operator. Just needs to get more out of the lads every game and he could make something of that club. He’s done right by old old boys and our young lads on loan too.
My wife says Wes never smiles….yep always takes his business seriously. Good luck bro…will miss you…a true true Red!!!!!
only 3 left backs………………giggs has another 10 years in him at left back
@WHAT ???
I’m in total agreeance with you, I just mentioned the point to highlight how others on here the past coupe of days have made aqusations that it was the preseason bust up that destroyed his career here. I realise that this is and was never the case.
All the best wes 2008 was ur best season pity injuries did not let u build on it.
U will be in my dream team next season
Well done Wes.
no one really knew what went on but at times last year when wes should have been used wasn’t,he was certainly given the cold shoulder for long periods no doubt about that that.wes is a much better player than the playing time he got at the club last year
Wes Brown signing confirmed
read this morning gibson isn’t keen to go wants to stay and fight for his place,have to respect him for that
Brown gone. Thanks Wes. Give em hell up there!
Hope you have a solid season and show the prem how good you are with regular football………………………. ask brucey to play right wing, like you did at fletcher!
Quick Rant, just read Danny “what a pussy” Alves saying Barca fly Business Class while everybody else is stuck in Tourist Class. What a Muppet. He should enjoy it while he can, wouldn’t be surprised if this is the Season Pep finally gets found out. Here is a man who paid 60M for Ibramovic then sold him for 20M the very next season, thats like Chelsea paying 50M PLUS DROGBA for Torres. Considering Barca are broke I bet a 40M injection would come in handy at the Nou Camp.
Avram Grant was literally inches away from a PL and CL double but ask any Hammer if he’s world class? Bollocks, Grant was an unlucky Pep. Sure Barca play beautiful stuff, but they played beautiful stuff when we beat them 1-0. Same Messi, same Xavi, same Iniesta, plus they had Eto who keeps proving he’s still a better striker than Ibramivich and Villa. Any team can have a short, amazing run, Chelsea were unstoppable when Mourinho first came and it wasn’t that long ago Arsenal were proper heavyweights in our league – both of them got to Champions League finals – both of them were hailed as the best ever – But what happened?
If your a very good manager at a big club with a big stadium its easy to get to the top, but once you get there, then what? Can you hang on and do what you need to do to remain there for DECADES? Thats the difference between Alex and everybody else. Since Alex arrived how many managers have Madrid, Barca, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea had? Yeah Pep won two CL in three years, thats incredible, but time doesn’t stand still, he’s got to keep reinventing Rijkaard’s team, and he has to leave behind his own team that can compete after he leaves. Can’t see him doing either tbh, so far he’s been shit in the markets and thats where Success is secured or pissed up the wall. If Barca are still playing the same football in 3 Seasons time under Pep I’ll eat my words, but till then? Pep shouldn’t be mentioned alongside Alex Ferguson, IMO he’s just an Avram Grant with a bit more luck. Even FSW won a CL.
Farewell Wes.
Top player.
Top lad.
Top manc.
Top red.
Forever in our hearts.
Official Huh? Oh well SAF knows best………That is why he is the man tough decisions……
Glory Glory Man Utd.
that happens when you call the gaffer a cunt.
I think some of you lads need to face reality, there is no point in keeping players just because they are ‘loyal’ but will hardly ever get a game, especially in Wes’ case who has to move on because of his fall out with Fergie. If United are to evolve then we need to let the youngsters make their claims for first team spots and not rely on the old guard.
Giggs and Scholes will still be around the squad, as will Red Nev no doubt(!), so they can help to instil the United traditions into the younger players and new signings. While including O’Shea in the ‘dead wood’ (for want of a better expression) we have a bloated squad with a lot of fringe players on high wages so it makes sense to trim the squad and wage bill plus get in some real quality to help take us to the next level.
Thanks Johnny and Wes, United through and through and will never be forgotten but United waits for no man.
It would be great, if and when another player comes in. I hope it is sooner then later, fucking dreaded TSO!!!!
@Wayne – might be unpopular but I for one hope he stays. He needs one more season to say he’s had a fair crack at United. What midfielder has ever started ahead of Scholes when he’s fit? As it stands now, its just him, Fletcher and Anderson. Carrick is cemented in front of the back four, and Giggs will play wherever the Boss wants – even if we get Sneijder, I still think Gibbo should get a fair shot, but who knows.
@WHAT ??? i’m with you mate, i’ve said all along gibbo was never given a long enough run and lots of times played out of position.think its disgusting the way some fans have treated him.if true i admire him for wanting to stay after all the abuse he took.
@Zelh LOL!!! I needed a laugh, thanks man.
Thanks for the retrospective. Top player who has always been a favourite of mine. Thanks for the tremendous service and the memories, Wes.
carrick must go, is an idiot and a finished player. i hate him!
Good luck Wes.
Good luck Wes, so unlucky with injuries. Otherwise could have been one of the best this country has ever seen.
Hope you do well up there.
@Mark
Do you cry when you masturbate, you fucking twat?
JULY 7, 2011 AT 14:46
@DeanStrauss says:
@Mark
Do you cry when you masturbate, you fucking twat? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Dave Malaysia – Good one mate
Just to add my thanks to Wes and Sheasy. Fantastic UNITED men, lots of great memories. This hurts quite a bit. I’m sure SAF has agonised over this to some extent- it is not an easy thing to do with guys like this. But I also think some if the same United mentality can be found in the twins, Chicharito, and others, plus hopefully we’ll see one or two of the reserves lads get a decent shout this season.
Lots of luck at United B!
@Mark – who washes you? Do you have home help or are you in a 24/7 secure facility?
All the best to Wes, but I always thought his growth was somehow affected when Jaap Stam got sold. He was immense, and consistently so, alongside Stam.
Hey its king zibbie that fucking scholes/rooney thread was like a takeover a chapter from game of thrones ffs,i’m sure my good buddy smartalex hasn’t run away,i expect a counter offence lol.
for the record this isn’t aimed at you zibbie,pretty well all the people smartalex goes after deserve it,simple as that.if anyone comes on a utd thread and its negative or just stirring shit expect others to come after you and don’t whine if they do,all of you whine about people having a right to express an opinion ,so do the people with the counter opinion.
anyone coming on rom acting like a troll and being a cunt can expect to get attacked.
That’s football good service given to the club and much appreciated but old stock gets replaced with new lines.Always been that way.
@wayne opinion is great, personal attacks are not. If you would like to talk more on this I will see you on the Rooney thread. All good in the hood wayne.
Off-topic: As far as I’m aware, Samir Nasri did not have a medical at United on Tuesday, or even Wednesday for that matter, as was boldly predicted by top ITK “lawman10″. Can we deduce that “lawman10″ is in fact a WUM?
Fast Freddy, I asked about Lawman10 too. Who if anyone will turn their head and cough.
He’d hardly have a medical, when he only got back in the UK today. It’s hard to except, but United’s interest is real.
Off topic, Ricky Hatto announced his retirement today. Kfc have reported huge profits in bargain bucket sales!
*accept* Damn!
It’s a sad day, one I thought I’d never see, two great servants of Manchester United, both Legends in my eyes. Always remember these two, so many good memories. Good luck to both of them at the Mackams!
Willie – you’re probably right. Someone should have told the lawman though…
July 1, 2011 at 20:21
lawman10 says:
nasri to have his medical with united tuesday next week.
shity are doing there worst to nab him!!
Just wrote a long message and hit submit and lost everything because I didn’t fill out username, email, etc… NOOOO!! lol
That sucks cock more than our buddy Mark (14:33) does.
To sum up:
Big bad Wesley Brown will be deeply missed. He was destined to be a ‘world class’ defender but his body wouldn’t let him fulfil his massive potential. Tragic.
You can understand SAF pushing him on with his injury record (and naughty mouth
especially with the twins coming though, J. Evans and young reserve talent we have.
J. O’Shea shold not be sold.. we need him in our squad. Period. S
SAF we trust.. he might have something up his sleeve but to me, O’Shea needs to stay for his versatility.
If he goes, we’ve just lost 2 MORE senior players this year. That would mean we have lost SCHOLES, VAN DER SAR, G NEVILLE, BROWN, O’SHEA in one yr… wow.
Zibbie on the offensive? Shooting from the hip! Chill Zib.
Anyway, I didn’t want to take this off-topic and get into transfer talk. It’s just that a lot of people seemed to have put their faith in the lawman’s inside info. No-one likes a wind-up.
Back to Big Bad Wes – I love the man. He’ll get a lot of games next season and that means a lot of opposition attackers are gonna get “Browned”
I’ll even smile if our any of our boys are on the receiving end of a “Browning” when we play Sunderland. 
utdforever – if you would have just pressed the “back” button on your browser, the message should still have been there!
Nice post anyway, mate. 
I may understand wes leaving but O’shea, why? did he also say any foul thing we do not know about? A player you have on the bench and you are rest assured every single position is covered, He gives height to the defence from full back positions which none of the current fullbacks have, please O’shea fail your medical
Gutted to lose such a dedicated player
Really thought he’d retire at the club. Wish him all the best.
Wayne – in the Rooney/Scholes thread Zibbie has shown his unbalanced personality. Not worth too much effort on the cunt.
mark – Fuck off you fucking clown. How can you “hate” Carrick? What the fuck has a thread on Wes got to do with Carrick? Mug.
Don’t give that lad any notice ffs.
DeanStrauss says:
@Mark
Do you cry when you masturbate, you fucking twat?
My work is done here. The rightful heir to filth and put downs is amongst us, I give you DeanStrauss.
mark – ignore that fuckface pls
Car Bang Prick — Why are you addressing yourself?
Ignore the troll King Eric. Now he is even using 2 usernames. Scum.
This place has gone bonkers!
Thanks Scott the Red for another excellent timeline that encapsulates 10 years very well.
Thanks for 10 great years Wes! For much of that time you were my favourite player, and I will always remember you fondly. Good luck!
@DeanStrauss @GodalmingRed @Zibbie @GoatinaUnitedShirt
Please don’t confuse Mark (me) for mark (small m).
Big Mark and little mark, I like it.
Where’s no mark?
Remember first seeing Wes playing in the reserves at Old Trafford. Don’t think he’d played in the first team yet at that point. Three outstanding things about that game that lodge in my mind. 1) Ben Thornley scored an absolute screamer, 30 yards, bending, top corner, best goal i’ve ever seen. 2) David Johnson came on with about 30 to go, left wing of all places, and was obscenely good. 3) Wes was awesome, like a magnet, if the ball got lumped up it was his head on it. If a through ball got played it was Wes behind it. Head to toe quality.