Fergie hails able understudy Brown

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Wes Brown for filling the boots of injured captain Gary Neville this season.

The 28-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Barclays Premier League leaders ending speculation that he was to leave the club in the summer.

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."

Brown, who joined the Red Devils as a trainee in 1996, said: "Manchester United is a fantastic club and I am delighted to have signed a new deal.

"To be part of a team I have supported all my life is a great honour.

"I can see this team winning many trophies in the coming seasons and it will be great to share in that success."

Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand have also agreed new deals, and England midfielder Carrick believes United are in a better position to reach the Champions League final than they were 12 months ago.

Ferguson's side were tipped to beat AC Milan in the semi-finals last season but were taught a lesson in the San Siro, and they face a similar scenario against Barcelona this time around.

"The belief is there, just as it was last season," he said. "But we have enough bodies here to cope now and it is the depth of the squad which has got us into this position.

"We have the options and variety to cope with the differing situations we find ourselves in, whereas last year we ended up a little bit thin and couldn't quite pull it off in Milan when it mattered."