Brown calls for cutting edge

March 17, 2008

TOUGH BATTLE: Robbie Savage goes in hard against Cristiano Ronaldo

WES Brown has called for United to be more ruthless in front of goal after their narrow victory over Derby.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 75th minute strike won the game for United, but the Reds endured a nervy afternoon at Pride Park in a game that many expected to be a formality.

Brown told MUTV: “We’re getting really good chances, we’ve got to start putting them away.

“We made it hard for ourselves against Derby. We could have finished the game in the first 10 or 15 minutes. Luckily we got the winner in the end, which was a real relief.”

Despite the Rams scare, Brown is pleased that United, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, can take charge in the title race with victory against Bolton on Wednesday.

He added: “It’s always good to be top.

“If we can get another three points against Bolton, it’d be great for us and we know then that if we win every game, we will win the league again.”

Do you think United will win the title? Have your say.

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Lord Ruud (17/03/2008 at 16:46)

Our build up play is generally good, just need to stop trying to walk it in and be more clinical. If we can get an early goal in the next game it'll settle us down and let us play our natural game.

Funny that Brown is the one saying it though, hardly known for being a fox in the box. :)

D.S, Salford (17/03/2008 at 18:32)

He is damn spot on...we need to be a lot more clinical and Sir Alex should encourage the midfielders to shoot a lot more, and perhaps have a session on shooting with them especially Anderson...because left footed players are mostly known for their ability to hit the ball and he doesnt look like he's got much of a shot in him. And Rooney needs a pep talk cos the guy is really low in confidence, you could just tell from his face in games and it really hurts me a lot. honestly u could tell he's scared to miss a chance so instead look for that pass...we cant walk the ball into the net people. if the opportunity to score 10 in a match is there take at least 5, it doesnt hurt or cause any harm to score more goals but puts a lot of fear in oppostion teams, if we could hammer bolton on wednesday night it will make the weekends game a lot interesting and i have a feeling the outcome of the boltons game is gonna have a lot to say on sunday against the scousers.

Khalad Mahmood, Silet, Bangladesh (17/03/2008 at 20:53)

We'd be a bit better off without Wes at right back and Gary Neville back. The player who continually shoot their mouths off are always the ones who aren't fit to be in the team in the first place i.e. messers Giggs, Oafshea, Brown and Fletcher, Scholes and Park aren't good enough either. And saha is a waste of time. Other than that we're in cracking shape to win the Premier League. No chance in Europe though , due to Sirs "5 in midfield, 1 up front, no goal threat" fixation.

wayneold, manc (17/03/2008 at 20:55)

I hope he saviours being top of the league, if he carries on holding out for the extra £1.68 a week he'll be playing for newcastle or bolton in division 1 next year!

Come back Gary Neville!

the-perfidious-priest, Kampala (17/03/2008 at 22:21)

hey Wesley! good that u have said that. now c'd u be a lot more clinical infront of the contract u've been offered and sign the damn thing?! i for one don't believe you are going to a Newcastle or some other Prem club of the like. your cunning agent has drilled into u that a defender of your stature w'd be wanted by ANY top club in Europe. and on a free transfer! Milan, for example, need to replace Maldini. Real will always have a place for someone like u. no, i believe u'd never become a scouser but, at 28, the club that gets u w'd have committed a coup of such magnitude that few can comprehend it. yes, most p'le still haven't noticed how many clubs u can actually walk into, that actually need u and will put u on at least 70k a week! wow, all is in place to strengthen your bargaining position after being a mainstay in the side. clever boy!

Alias Smith, over the moon (17/03/2008 at 23:55)

Yep, can't disagree with Wes but it's only been in the last few games that we've been goal-shy - it's only three weeks since we scored 5 against Newcastle. It will click again soon, no need to panic, and I think we're going to see a strong run-in from United.

Roy (18/03/2008 at 05:44)

To what degree is Brown's defensive performances the reason for Utd's improvement (least goals conceded in the league)?

RF & NV have an extra season under their belts and PE would be good in any team but what about Wes's contribution? He certainly gets my vote.

Still no sign that OT will keep him, and yet Utd certainly fought to keep GH and he was 31. Maybe Fergie has a younger replacement in mind and there are the upcoming Brazilian twins. Still I wouldn't be surprised should Wes stay.

It also makes you wonder what sort of Utd player he could had been had he not suffered so many injuries earlier in his career.

Lord Ruud (18/03/2008 at 10:26)

Roy - who is GH?

Fergie has also been lamenting our finishing...I think if we could get the early goal it would help to relax us.

The missed chances are becoming a concern," the United boss said "We were really charitable against Portsmouth and against Derby. It's a sticky spell in front of goal that we must get over".

"Against Derby, we made it hard for ourselves because we missed so many chances. It turned into a real battle and it shouldn't have been."

"There are important games coming up. We want to start taking our chances. We want to drive home our advantage at the top of the league by winning our game in hand."

Gerry, Glastonbury (18/03/2008 at 11:36)

Never mind the cackle Wes, get up there in the oppo's six yard box and get your ginger swede on a few of the crosses!

Demo, Glossop (18/03/2008 at 11:45)

he is right we have missed a lot of chances recently some cost us the fa cup. we need to start scoring a few early goals and having shots from outside the box. goal difference may be very important come the end of season or in CL final if you only get 3 chances they better be taken!

better off red (18/03/2008 at 13:41)

If Henry comes available.
Next season could be wrapped up before a ball is even kicked.
C'mon fergie, get the cheque book out.

Duncan, London (18/03/2008 at 14:16)

Lord Ruud - I guess Roy's talking about Heinze but I though he was 29 when we sold him. Saha will make a lot of people eat their words (possibly me lol).

Roy (18/03/2008 at 14:44)

Loed Ruud - Sorry for the acronyms. GH = Gabriel Ivan Heinze. Forgotten already?

Lord Ruud (18/03/2008 at 16:30)

Ha Ha - I must have wiped him from my mind after his attitude last summer Roy...not to mention his comedy performances against Milan home and away.

Roy (18/03/2008 at 16:42)

You're right, Duncan - born 19 April 1978. Though at the end he did play like a 31-year-old...

Duncan, London (19/03/2008 at 16:34)

A 31 year old with no skill.

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