6 - Wes Brown Profile

A born and bred Mancunian, Wes Brown has been an important part of Sir Alex Ferguson's United squad for the past nine years.

After signing professional terms in November 1996, Brown made his debut for the club as an 18-year-old in May 1998, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 victory over Leeds at Old Trafford. A week later he was given his full debut in a 2-0 win over Barnsley.

The following season saw Brown establish himself in the first-team squad, making several appearances for the club both at right-back and in his preferred role at centre-back. By the end of the season he had also made his debut for England in a 1-1 draw against Hungary.

United won the treble that season and it appeared that Brown was starting to form a promising partnership in central defence alongside Dutchman Jaap Stam. But a number of injuries meant that Brown failed to make a single appearance for the club during the 1999/2000 season.

The 2000/2001 campaign saw Brown make a strong comeback and earn praise from boss Ferguson. He followed it up with another good campaign in 2001/2002 and earned a place in England's 2002 World Cup squad.

Injury problems in seasons since have restricted his appearances for England but has still played a big part in the Manchester United team.

The arrival of Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford has given Brown renewed competition for the second central defensive role alongside Rio Ferdinand and he is expected to play an important role in the title push at United this season.

• Bolton eye Manchester United defender Wes Brown

  Wes Brown could kick-start a transfer merry-go-round which would help City land Bolton’s England defender Gary Cahill!

• Gibson prepared to move

  Sunderland target Darron Gibson has revealed that he is ready to leave Manchester United if he does not start playing more regularly.

• Fergie turns to 'experienced' Wes

  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will turn to Wes Brown to fill the defensive void left by the suspension of Nemanja Vidic.

• Brown quits England duty

  Manchester United defender Wes Brown has announced his retirement from international football.

• Brown relishing new campaign

  Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes the squad must produce the goods this coming season after a largely disappointing campaign last term.

• Brown out for six weeks

  Manchester United have confirmed defender Wes Brown will miss the next four to six weeks through injury.

• United await Wes Brown foot injury verdict

  Manchester United are waiting to discover if defender Wes Brown has broken a bone in his left foot.

• Brown aims to keep firing

  Wes Brown believes Manchester United will have to maintain their winning run if they are to edge a hotly-contested race for the Premier League title.

• Brown vows to take chance

  Wes Brown is determined to take his chance against Brazil on Saturday and stake a claim for a place in England's World Cup squad.

• Brown - Drogba fouled me

  Manchester United defender Wes Brown insists he was fouled by Didier Drogba and Chelsea's winning goal at Stamford Bridge should not have stood.