Ferguson praises Brown

Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Wes Brown for filling the boots of injured captain Gary Neville. The 28-year-old defender officially put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Barclays Premier League leaders on Monday, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2012.

Brown’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season and there had been speculation he would leave on a free transfer. But he has been a key player this season in the absence of Neville and a long run of matches in the side must have been a factor behind his decision to stay put.

Ferguson said: “I am delighted Wes has signed a new contract. He has grown up at this club and is an integral part of the squad. He has done a great job during Gary’s absence and has been a major factor in our outstanding defensive performance.”