Man Utd boss Ferguson glowing tribute to Brown

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a glowing tribute to Wes Brown in this morning's media conference.

Ferguson is delighted by how Brown has performed alongside Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the Manchester United defence in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand.

The pair are set to continue their partnership at Portsmouth tomorrow because both John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are doubtful.

Ferguson said: “I must say that Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown have been absolutely fantastic in recent games.

“It just reminds you that when Wes Brown is fit, he is the best natural defender in the country. He’s a fantastic defender.

“So is Vidic and their partnership has been fantastic. I’m really pleased about that and that gives you a solid base that you need when you go away from home to places like Portsmouth.”

Ferguson praised Brown for the way he has battled back from injury several times to recapture his top form.

“You’ve got to pay tribute to the lad,” said the United manager. “He keeps coming back from the serious injuries he’s had in his career. He’s had two cruciates, a broken ankle, calf injuries and things like that. Last season he had a very staggered season in terms of interruptions to his consistency.

“But the previous season he was our most consistent defender, the year we won the European Cup in Moscow. So now he’s fit again and looking fantastic. He gets better all the time.

“He’s 30 now and I keep thinking he’s only 22 or 23. He’s got such a young approach to life. He’s done well, the lad.”