BROWN ADAMANT HE`S STAYING

Wes Brown wants a life sentence at Manchester United.

The England international has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with many pundits predicting he would finally call time on his Old Trafford career.

Those suggestions have proved wide of the mark, with Brown once again set to play a major role in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad this season, even though he would almost certainly miss out should the United boss have his entire first-choice defence available.

With skipper Gary Neville sidelined with a foot problem, Brown spent the end of last season filling in at right-back, while he would be the automatic replacement should either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic fall victim to the injury curse.

While it is not a role the Manchester-born player is entirely satisfied with, it is one he is happy to accept if it means he is to become a Premier League champion again, as he was for the fourth time in May.

"I love playing for United and talk of me leaving this summer was rubbish," the 27-year-old said.

"I have never thought of going anywhere else because it would be a step down. Having that kind of conversation with the manager is something I just dread.

"There is always competition for places here. We have brought in some more new faces and the team is looking young and good. It will be great to be involved this season."

After ending a four-year title drought last term, it was expected Ferguson would start the new campaign focusing on righting a few Champions League wrongs.

It is a constant source of bewilderment to the Old Trafford boss that United have not conquered Europe more often.

But, while Ferguson is bound to make a repeat of his 1999 Champions League triumph a major target in his remaining years as manager, Brown insists the number one priority for United this season is to consolidate their domestic supremacy.

"We want to be number one in the Premier League," he said.

"Last year we did well in the Champions League but now it has got to the stage where we have a big squad and we need to do even better.

"The squad looks more capable than last season. That is the great thing about it. Everyone is looking around knowing we have a tremendous squad. If we do get injuries there are plenty of people capable of filling in."

Taken from =football365=