United have not always had
their first choice back four available, with the likes of Gary
Neville and Nemanja Vidic suffering lay-offs throughout the
campaign. However, one constant for the Red Devils has been the
form of supposed understudy Wes Brown.
At the start of the season,
Brown was expected to deputise for absent colleagues but has
surpassed that modest expectation. This season he has formed the
nucleus of United’s defence, providing steel and taking
responsibility. This has not gone unnoticed by
Ferdinand.
In the absence of Vidic
recently, Ferdinand has been under no extra pressure thanks in no
small part to the capabilities of Brown.
He
revealed:“Wes has been
doing it all season and you expect big performances from him. 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.”
"Nemanja Vidic has been a top
player for us over the last two years, and for him to be out of
such important games might have been a problem. But it's not when
someone like Wes can step in so seamlessly. He’s been
great.”