Man United Transfer News: Wes Brown Joins Sunderland

Sunderland have completed the signing of 31 year old defender Wes Brown from Manchester United, who has joined on a long term deal for an undisclosed fee. His Man United teammate John O’Shea is expected to join Brown at The Stadium of Light in the next few days.

Brown moves to Sunderland

A part of the United youth academy, Brown has been a part of the Old Trafford outfit for many years now, although not always being an integral part of the team. Repeated outbursts of niggles and injuries have prevented him from cementing a permanent place in the side, and he has consequently fallen behind the pecking order to players like Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.

Sir Alex Ferguson gave Brown a glowing review and wished him the very best of luck in all his future endeavours. He praised the defender’s no-frills approach to the game and stated that he was a firm fan favourite throughout his career. Speaking to the official website of Man United, he said-

“Wes has been a great asset to the club during the most successful period in its history.

“He was a product of the youth system and marked himself out from an early age as one of his generation’s most natural defenders.

“In his time with us, he certainly became a favourite with the fans for his no-nonsense approach to the game and his infectious personality.

“It’s always the hardest of decisions to let loyal servants go. But life moves on and, unquestionably, Wes will get the chance to make a real contribution to Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and I’m delighted to be passing him into such good hands.

“Everyone connected with United wishes him a long and happy stay at Sunderland.”

Brown explained his reasons for the move and said that he was hopeful of getting more playing opportunities at Sunderland. He expressed disappointment over not playing as much for united over the past few seasons, and said that he would recall his years as a Red Devil very fondly.

He said-

“It was disappointing not to have played as much as I could at Manchester United over the last couple of seasons so just to know that I’ll be back in, playing, I’m focusing on that really and looking forward to it.

“Last season, I couldn’t get into the team and that was frustrating but that’s football and you move on.

“Sunderland is a big club and Steve Bruce was a big factor coming into it. That’s what it came down to really. When I was younger, I used to watch Steve and I’ve known him a bit as well so it was fine.

“I know a couple of lads who have been here and they say it’s a wonderful club and I thought this was the place for me to come.”

It remains to be seen whether Brown can rekindle his best form with The Black Cats.