Exclusive Interview with Wes Brown: I never thought United were going to win the Premier League

Bestgambingsites.com speaks with Manchester United legend Wes Brown in an exclusive interview, getting his reaction to his former club’s crushing defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, his thoughts on Manchester United's standout players this season and whether Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham should be Ten Hag’s target for the summer.

Liverpool vs Manchester United reaction (7-0)

Q: It was an astonishing game at Anfield, what did you make of it?

Everyone was excited about the game, and then the result was 7-0! You can’t get away from that. Considering the way United have been playing of late it was a definite blow. 7-0 at Anfield is a very disappointing result.

You always know it’s going to be tough going to Liverpool but I had thought it was a good time to go and play them. The pressure was on us but ultimately it wasn’t to be. United looked tired and Liverpool were more up for the game. When they got their chances they finished them off.

Q: How much was it a case of Liverpool being magnificent against United being well below par?

I thought Liverpool were very good. They stepped up their game and understood it was very important that they had to win.

United were below par but I don’t think that’s why they got beat 7-0. Anfield is somewhere you go and have to be careful, even ‘shut up shop’ a little bit. But United didn’t do that, they carried on going for it, leaving themselves open. They were very sloppy at times and were not good in possession, giving the ball away too easily and not creating enough. Liverpool kept counter attacking and kept scoring.

Manchester had to be careful because we all know what Liverpool can do. Even though no one expected it, they played very well and finished off everything and United didn’t get anything going. I think on the day Liverpool simply wanted it more.

Q: You mention how United kept going - do you think there was a sense of naivety? Could they have managed the game differently?

Yes, but there were opportunities and spaces for the United players to get in. But I think when you get to a certain scoreline, you have to step up and look to stop it getting worse.

I was in a similar position in Sunderland, in terms of being on the end of a score like that, and it’s a horrible feeling. You just want to stop everything. But United had massive gaps at the back and to be fair to Liverpool, every time they got a chance they put it away. You have to give them credit for that. It was a tough one to take.

I never thought United were going to win the Premier League so it’s not changed much in my eyes in that sense, but it’s still something you have to swallow quickly. It hurts the pride that one, especially considering the way United had been playing of late.

Q: Roy Keane said “I never thought United were back to their very best. They’ve had some very good results. They’ve been giving teams chances - Leicester at home, West Ham. Teams have let them off the hook.” – Do you agree, was there too much positivity given the level of performance?

There always has to be positivity when you’re building something, to encourage the players. If it wasn’t 7-0 and United had simply lost the game to a more ‘regular’ scoreline, you can move on from it, but 7-0 is a hard one to take. It means that there is a lot to work on.

But now they have to look forward - it’s about what they do from here, what reaction will they get? Will it be positive or negative? I think now that’s the most important thing, the reaction from the players.

Q: Gary Neville said “That wasn't a captain's performance from a Manchester United player and I am sure Erik ten Hag will deal with that.” Roy Keane said “"Fernandes' body language today was nothing short of disgraceful”. Could you see where they were coming from? What did you make of the performance from the captain?

I thought everyone was poor. Bruno has played really well, but when everyone is poor you look for someone to blame, as the captain there’s a temptation to go for him and you have to take some of the responsibility.

It often feels that you have to blame someone so I can understand where Gary and Roy are coming from. But it’s the reaction he gives in the next game that I’m now interested in. Sometimes when you’re in these positions you don’t know what to do. It’s more important for the manager to see their reaction now.

United have had a lot of games of late and this was probably the game where you don’t want to see people getting tired. The passing was off early in the game. Had they got a few of their early situations in the game right it could have put Liverpool on the back foot, but Liverpool were just intercepting the ball too easily and counter-attacking, even from our own half.

Bruno has been brilliant overall this season, but certainly I don’t think it was anyone’s best performance.

Q: Match Of The Day highlighted the lack of help Antony gave Dalot. Is that something you picked up on or was it more managerial instructions?

When you have a team who are in good shape, as Liverpool were, intercepting balls and playing between the lines, then you need help. But on the other hand, there were chances for United to put pressure on Liverpool.

But none of it was good! I could go through it and analyse every mistake, talk about too much space, or players not tackling. For a few of the goals players just weren’t tackling and were too concerned with trying to nick the ball rather than clearing it. But there’s no point looking at one individual, the standard was too low as a group and the players haven’t helped each other in any way.

Q: You talk about the reaction, do you think there can be a lasting impact from a defeat like that?

The players will be very disappointed and a bit shell shocked. But ultimately they are professionals and they’re a good team. They will bounce back but it’s whether they can all bounce back together straight away, and that’s what they and Ten Hag will be looking for.

One good game, the next one, and it can be forgotten a little bit, not completely until at least the next time Manchester play Liverpool, but the side have to just carry on doing what they were doing.

Q: Is there a case to say some will be looking too deeply into it? They beat Liverpool at home, they’ve lost away, albeit heavily, but ultimately they’ve taken 3 points off each other this season?

Hopefully the lads just do whatever is best to take it out of their minds. With these defeats, it’s more about how you deal with it in your head and get rid of it until the next time you see Liverpool. For me that’s my favourite game, but you have to forget about it and move on.

There’s still a lot of work to do, in the League and in both the remaining cups. You have to overcome it and the quicker you can the better the team will be because of it.

Q: Were there any United players who could hold their heads up high on Sunday? Or does the group have to take responsibility?

I don’t think anyone will put their hand up and say they were good on Sunday. The only one, maybe, was Marcus Rashford. There were a couple times he could have scored and nearly did. But he didn’t really get too many opportunities at all. We kept losing the ball and most of the defending wasn’t good. You have to say they counter-attacked excellently and finished up every chance.

I don’t think anyone played well on Sunday.

Q: How do you think Sir Alex would have reacted to a game like that during your time playing under him?

He would have been disappointed and told us we have to step up. Sometimes it’s hard to say much after a defeat like that because what do you say? Do you leave it? Do it straight away? Leave it until the next day?

Ultimately when you wake up this morning you think, how was it 7-0? But it was, so it’s about reactions and Sir Alex would have been searching for reactions. That game is gone and it’s all about the next one.

You’re going to win games and you’re going to lose games, but it’s the reaction and attitude you take into the next one.

Q: Did you find Anfield the hardest place for a Manchester United side to play? If so, why?

It was for me, it’s one of the toughest. There were a lot of times that we would be better than Liverpool, coming up to the games, but it’s one of those grounds where if you give the ball away their crowd pushes them on.

Both teams want to win the game and United gave too many balls away on Sunday, especially early on in the middle of the park where Liverpool put pressure on you the whole time.

But yes, Anfield was a very tough place to go for me, probably the hardest.

Q: Roy Keane called it embarrassing and suggested the players would be ashamed. Who do you see in the current squad as being able to get the team back up for the game on Thursday?

I think it starts with the manager first. There would have been a lot of heads down after the game on Sunday - no one wants to lose like that. But ultimately the more senior players may have said a few things.

But you get positives out of it as well - people stepping up and saying “it’s not acceptable but we’ve got another game to change this on Thursday and show everyone we know it was a bad game, but we have to forget about it and make sure 100% the next game we do what we need to do to win the game”.

Can Manchester United make Top Four?

Q: How do you assess Man United’s Top Four ambitions – do they have anything to worry about lying seven clear of Liverpool in 5th.

I still think they’ll make the top four. The way they’ve been playing I think they deserve to be where they are up until now. It’s a funny old season - teams you didn’t think would be in there are in the mix. So it’s going to be interesting, it shows that the Premier League is going to be great again coming to the finish and that’s why everyone loves it!

But I think United will be in the top four, from where they are now and the squad they’ve got. They have to try to keep everyone fit as one or two injuries might hamper that, but ultimately I think they will be in there.

Q: United are third in the table and looking good for the top four. They recently had an impressive victory against Barcelona and already have a trophy in the bag. Is it a successful season?

I think it is. This is just one game and you have to remember that. In the whole scheme of the season, you’ve got the Carabao Cup, you’re still in the FA Cup and the Europa League, and you’re still doing well in the league.

It’s a position not many thought they wouldn’t be in for this season, so you have to say they’ve slightly over-achieved, relative to what people thought they would.

They’ve done what the manager has wanted and they are achieving more than many thought they would. You can see it’s a good group of lads and they have to respond to a heavy defeat and it’s going to be a big week for them. The simple fact that people are going to want a reaction and if they can get that, it smooths it out a little bit.

Q: Is Rashford your player of the season so far for United? What do you think is behind his improved campaign?

I think there have been a few standout players, but Rashford is the one getting the goals - and it’s about goals. When he’s getting one or two chances a game, he’s normally scoring one of them which is massive for any striker.

He’s focused, he’s fit, healthy and you can see when he’s playing, even on Sunday, by how sharp and quick he was at the beginning of the game that he’s trying to get on everything, he’s worked on that and he’s United’s player of the season (so far) for me.

Harry Maguire might have to go!

Q: Maguire has had two League starts since featuring in the opening two games (both defeats). Do you expect him to be at the club next season or does it make sense for everyone if he moves on?

It’s a tough one for Harry. It all comes down to a personal choice. Is he going to play? I’m sure he’ll have the conversation with Ten Hag and I'm sure ultimately he will keep him. But if Harry wanted to go somewhere else to get more playing time, maybe that’s what he’d have to do.

I think there may be a few players at the club like that but it’s happened to everyone - it’s football. It’s tough but you have to have the conversation with the manager and understand where they’re coming from and decide what you want to do next. If Harry wants to play football he might have to leave - it’s as simple as that.

The manager may not want him to go - he may want him to stay and be part of the squad. But it gets to a point in your career where you make that decision. I was lucky as I had it late on. I only had a year left on my contract and the manager said I could stay and I’ll use you now and again, but ultimately you’re not first choice and you’ll be back up. That was just my decision to leave. It happens and we’ll see what Harry does.

Q: United have a history of promoting youth players. How important is that still today and is Garnacho the most exciting young player at the club at the moment? Are there any other contenders?

Garnacho’s started a couple of games recently and I like it when he comes on as a sub and everyone's a little tired. He brings that freshness and urgency when the team needs a bit of a spark.

He’s got some crucial goals and the fans like him. He’s been good but he’s still learning and I think he’s definitely one for the future. You'll see him many times from now until the end of the season and even more next season, but he’s been the standout young player from within the club this season.

Betis vs Manchester United preview

Q: Betis held Madrid to a 0-0 draw this weekend. They lie 5th in La Liga, but 21 points behind a Barcelona side which United dispatched in the last round. What do you expect from the game? United are favourites for the Europa League. Do you see them going all the way?

This tie will be tricky after that loss. You have to step up and you can’t go into this game feeling sorry for yourself - which I don’t think they will. The manager will speak to them and get them up for it. You have to make it right – first pass, first tackle, can you get to the ball first, first challenge – showing that you’re up for the game, up for the battle and deserving to be on top.

You have to go into the game with that attitude.

Q: What did you make of City and Arsenal’s victories this weekend? Who would be your favourites for the title?

I had Liverpool to win it all at the beginning of the season, so I got it wrong! All season we’ve seen Arsenal doing what they’re doing and you’re thinking surely they can’t keep this up, like everyone else, but they do! They keep on scoring late goals and getting these late winners at the end.

Looking at the team you can see there is a great buzz and great belief. I would have said City as I see them just drilling out three points week by week, but I’m changing my mind. Arsenal have been scraping results but they keep doing it. So I’m going to go with Arsenal. It’s the first time I’ve said that all season, as I’ve always thought it would be City with the players they have. But there is a long way to go and City won’t take the pressure off, so it’ll be a fascinating run in.

You have to give credit to Arsenal where they are at the moment. I don’t think anybody would have predicted how it has gone for them this season.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane at Old Trafford?

Q: Declan Rice has been linked with Man United for some time. Is that a transfer you’d like to see happen? Do you think it will?

I like Declan, I think he plays his position perfectly. I feel that Jude Bellingham would suit United more, the way the manager plays, but Declan has been a great player. West Ham haven’t had a good season this year and it might be time for him to move on. I think everyone likes Declan Rice. He’s played well for England, maybe this season he’s not been on top form but when you watch him you can see what he brings to the team.

Q: Do you think we could ever see Kane at Old Trafford?

For Spurs and Kane it’s now or never really. If they wait until the end of next season they won’t be getting any fee for him, and with the £100m that’s being quoted now you think maybe it’s worth it. He’ll also be a year older, entering his 30s so maybe it’s the best time for him to leave now. It’s decision time I would have thought, I think the top clubs would all have him.

Sunderland have dropped off

Q: Sunderland have stumbled in recent weeks, losing 5-1 at home to Stoke this weekend for their third defeat in a row to former manager Alex Neil. What can you put that result down to?

Unfortunately Sunderland have slipped off a bit recently. It’s a tough division, it’s horrible the Championship. You can win two games in succession and fly up the table.

Sunderland have dropped off recently and I think the only thing to do is to try and go on a winning streak - otherwise it’ll be hard to get into the play offs this season. They need a little run and I think everyone understands when you get a run like that in the Championship, you can go up 4-5 places. But they have to start doing that now because teams will all be doing the same thing - it’s so tight and competitive.

When Michael Owen joined Manchester United

Q: You played against Michael Owen during his days as a Liverpool striker, in perhaps the most heightened years of the Liverpool/Manchester United rivalry. What was it like having a player from a bitter rival join your team?

It’s a good question because I went to school with Michael! He was in my year and he was my schoolmate from 14 so it was a bit different for me - I was absolutely fine with it. I’m sure it would have been harder for Michael. Coming over from Liverpool and getting into the team at United would have been difficult, but it wasn’t a problem for us.

Q: Who was the toughest opponent you faced during your playing days?

It’s difficult. I could give you a load of names but different players do different things. Some are big, some are technical, some are quick. But if you put all of that together in one, I’d say Zinedine Zidane. I couldn’t really get near him! He was clever, every time I went in to tackle him, the ball would already be passed on. Anytime I switched off for a second he’d be in space. He’s a bit like Paul Scholes, when you try and mark him it’s so difficult.

Q: What’s your take on VAR in today’s game? Do you wish you’d played with it?

When we played, there had to be sunlight between attackers and defenders, so there was a big advantage to attackers! It is what it is - it’s here to stay and it’s going to be controversial because they won’t get it right all the time. But I’m guessing it would have saved us loads of goals if we’d had it!