Brown hails Old Trafford's unheralded famous five

13 April 2012

Wes Brown claims Manchester United's mean defence can help secure a Barclays Premier League and Champions League double for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The 28-year-old defender made his United debut 10 years ago this week and believes the back-line is up there with the best he has played in.

The statistics seem to support Brown's claim - United can boast the tightest defence in the top flight having conceded three fewer goals than nearest rivals Chelsea.

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Many reasons to celebrate: Wes Brown believes United's bedrock is their superb defence

And after being a non-playing substitute when United clinched their historic treble in 1999, the England defender is now hoping to play a key role in securing more glory for Ferguson.

"The back-line this year is one of the most solid defences I've been part of," said Brown.

"As a back five we've played a lot of games together and when you do that you form an understanding, not just between yourselves, but with the midfield lads as well.

"Individually we've done well, and as a group we've helped each other and that's shown in our results.

"I've had great times here in terms of winning trophies and playing in big games, but I've also had bad times with injuries. I've been lucky enough to win a lot of medals and hopefully that will continue this season and beyond.

"The 1998/99 season seems like such a long time ago, too. It was my first main season in the first team and it was amazing to be a part of such an achievement.

"If we could achieve something like that again during my time here, it would just be unbelievable."

With United needing to win at Wigan on Sunday to secure the Premier League and then facing Chelsea in Moscow for the Champions League crown, Brown believes goalscoring sensation Cristiano Ronaldo could prove the difference.

"Without a shadow of a doubt he's the best player in the world at the moment," Brown added.

"He's taken his game to a different level and I'm sure he'll get more goals this season. I'm just glad he's on our side.

"Even for his team-mates, it's exciting to watch him when he gets on the ball because you know there's a chance something's going to happen, whether it's him setting up a goal or scoring one.

"He's capable of producing something out of nothing."

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