Home > Football > Manchester United's dilemma: Recall Gary Neville or stay with Wes Brown?
by Tarek El Wazzi on 28 September 2007
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After watching Manchester United this season I have begun to wonder if Gary Neville should replace Wes Brown when he is fully fit, or whether Brown should keep his place, and make Neville fight for it .
Now we all know what a great player Neville is, and how he has served United over the years. The right-back position has been always his, and no one was able to take it from him. On the other hand, Brown also deserves to keep his place. He has been consistent, strong, and has helped in attack from the right side, just like Neville used to do.
I believe Brown should keep his position. Sir Alex Ferguson always believes competition for places is healthy for the team, and that if a player is doing well, then he should stay in the team. Benching Brown after these good performances, especially against Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea would, in my opinion, ruin his confidence and his will to fight for his place, if Neville was to take it away from him that easily.
Also something important to point out is that Brown's errors in defence have decreased. His decision-making is much better, he has become much calmer, composed, and is willing to dig in and fight as hard as he can for balls. Neville is not getting any younger, and sooner or later United will need a replacement for him.
Phil Bardsley doesn't look anywhere near being ready to replace him yet, so to me, Brown would be the ideal choice and he is willing to play out his career at United.
Is Brown the ideal long-term replacement for Neville, or do United have to spend again? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo.
Comments (9)
by daniel on September 28, 2007
Brown should be left for the now and Neville should fight for his place.
by silva.foxx on September 29, 2007
Wes Brown seems to be performing well in that role. Why fix what aint broken? I'm sure a lot of the red mancs prefer Neville as he has been fantastic for them. He is a solid performer and does have vast experience. Bring Neville in gently, rebuilding his fitness and putting pressure on Brown. It's a healthy competition for the position and may even improve Brown's game further. Neville should bide his time.
by mattttew on September 29, 2007
i love man utd
by ralphallah on September 30, 2007
I think you are right tarek in saying that taking out brown now for neville will hurt his footballing spirit, because he tried so hard and in the end got sent of for a big name with a big histor(neville). Such an action by sir alex ferguson would discourage all future players from attempting to take the place of a big name player, no matter how good they are. Competition is healthy for the team. but in the end one has to ask the question: do we leave player X on the pitch because he is doing well and bench Pele? or maradonna? or to a lesser degree Neville? Ferguson will do the best decision i believe. GO RED DEVILS!
by arnold on October 01, 2007
u'll are all fuking pussys... united r da best team and sir alex is da best manager. Just let dem do da fuking job ok?!
by Tarek on October 03, 2007
I dont know the reason behind ur pissed of reply, but do u see me criticizing SAF in this article??? i respect the guy as much as any die hard fan does, so fucking read before u comment
by jayr on August 18, 2008
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by chantelle sherlock on August 30, 2008
i think neville should fight fir his place because wes has been helping united for a while and i love him loads aswell!
i think that wes brown shoud take the place all the time apart form wen he's injured and cristiano ronaldo is the best player eva and the fittest player eva aswell!!!
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