Wes Brown on what success looks like for Man United next season – exclusive | OneFootball

Wes Brown is a man who knows exactly what success looks and feels like for Manchester United, having won a staggering 11 trophies during his time with the Red Devils. Though this season the club have not competed for trophies as they did during Wes’ time at Old Trafford, it has been a solid campaign that has got many United fans excited for the future.

While the current United squad cannot be compared to the incredible squads Brown featured in under the guidance of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, there is a growing belief amongst fans that the Red Devils are at the start of a journey that could be truly special.

Work is still needed and head coach Michael Carrick, who was recently reported to have signed a new two-year contract, will have to prove himself to be an elite coach, but Brown knows exactly what is needed for United to consider next season a success.

A strong season

There was little room for optimism amongst the red half of Manchester before Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach in January. Results had been disappointing and performances had been flat. It seemed as though another season was going to end without Champions League football.

Former United midfielder Carrick transformed the sides fortunes instantly, though, leading the team to commanding victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge. The upturn did not stop there though, as the former England international went on to oversee 11 wins from his 16 games in charge at the club, extending his phenomenal win-rate at the helm of the club.

United’s fine form saw the club guarantee a return to the Champions League with three games to spare and the Red Devils’ recent victory over Nottingham Forest ensured a third-placed finish, capping off a tremendous end to the season.

Wes’ definition of success

In an exclusive interview with Brown, sponsored by NetBet, the Premier League legend divulged what he would like to see in order to consider next season a success. He said: I’m not saying you’re top, but you’re not many points off it. You’re still challenging in a way. I think if you get a good run first year in the Champions League— again, not saying we’re going to win anything— but I always feel there’s chances in the cups.”

“Now, depending on how many changes we make and how many people we bring in— I mean, both cups as well, so League Cup and FA Cup— because I think the League Cup’s important, but at the same time, it’s a Premier League and a good run in the Champions League, and means getting close to the final.”

His own experiences

Brown went on to discuss the importance of squad depth and how important it was to the success of the teams he played in. He said: “I think with the competitions, you have to remember, I would always say in our teams, or in great teams especially, you look at the bench. Now if you can bring a player for the same player, like for like, you know you’ve got a team.”

Other teams in the league are now prioritising depth and Brown knows first-hand how important it is to their success. He said: “Arsenal can do it, City can do it. You go, oh, he’s coming on now. So when you get to that point, the squad’s good. We did it in our way, we’ve done it a few times, but you look at the bench and you go, yeah, they could probably start for most teams in the league.”

Brown also discussed the prospect of Marcus Rashford returning to United, read that section here.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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