FOOTBALL : Wes Brown has no intention of quitting Manchester United even though he has once again been reduced to the role of stand-in.
Wes Brown has no intention of quitting Manchester United even though he has once again been reduced to the role of stand-in.
Two seasons ago it seemed Brown had finally put his injury curse behind him as he enjoyed the most consistent campaign of his career as he sealed a starting spot in the Champions League final win over Chelsea and also forced his way back into Fabio Capello’s England plans. But his body let him down again, allowing John O’Shea to step in to confirm himself as United’s current first-choice left-back.
“I have been injured on so many occasions, I am used to coming back and trying to getting back into the team,” Brown said. “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.”
Ironically, Brown will not get the chance to replace the Irishman against Besiktas at Old Trafford on Wednesday night because he is needed in central defence as both Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans are currently out of action.
Brown is remarkably unscarred by a medical record that includes cruciate operations on both knees, a broken ankle and countless muscular problems.
He is adamant he feels fine physically and the mental problems that might be associated with such regular setbacks are lacking as well.
“Having so many injuries doesn’t make it more difficult coming back,” he said. “In fact you just want to get back even quicker.”
The sight of Owen Hargreaves training on his own in his long fight for fitness is a reminder of what Brown has been through. And the defender can be a useful sounding board for anyone seeking reassurance about their futures.
“A lot of the younger players come to me for advice,” he said.
“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.”
