Rip up the form book

Wes Brown has warned that form will count for nothing in this Sunday's Manchester derby.

Whenever United and City meet, there is invariably little football to savour as games descend into wars of attrition.

And Longsight-born Brown, who always relishes battles with the Reds' near-neighbours, says desire will be the telling factor come Sunday.

"Both teams always step up for the occasion," he is quoted as saying in the Manchester Evening News. "It doesn't matter where they are in the league, it's 50-50 and down to whoever wants it most.

"We've got to show we want it more. They are a good team and we know what they can do. They've got some good new players and if we let them do what we did last time, they are capable of punishing us."

Brown should line up at right back against Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, and the converted central defender admits he is feeling comfortable patrolling the flanks.

Club captain Gary Neville is still out of the first-team picture after over a decade as first-choice right back, and Brown is keen to keep hold of the position when Neville does return.

"It definitely helps the more you can play in a regular position," he said. "I've been doing that and that's probably why I'm doing better than I have before.

"It's good playing regularly for your club. I'm playing right back mainly now, which has made a big difference, and filling in at centre back when needed.

"Gary is not having a good time at the moment with injuries. He is the captain of the club, but when he comes back I will battle it out with him for the position."