Wes has faith in strike pair

Wes Brown is backing Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to fire the goals United have been missing in recent weeks when the pair are reunited against Portsmouth on Monday.

Rooney returned against Newcastle after virus disrupted his pre-season, but Tevez missed the match to fly home following a family bereavement. However, United could have both players fit and firing to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park.


"We've not scored too many goals recently,” admits Wes Brown.

“But we've had quite a few injuries so I'm not too concerned. Wayne has not played much and any side would miss him. But I'm sure we'll fine [with him back in the team]."

Rooney looked slightly short of match fitness against the Magpies, but 90 minutes of action can only aid his sharpness. Meanwhile, Tevez looked like a man possessed during pre-season, and will look to pick up where he left off when he returns to Manchester.

"Carlos [Tevez] was incredible on his own up front in pre-season," adds Wes. "He's looked really sharp and hungry - I don't know where he gets his energy from."

The 1-1 draw against Newcastle on the opening day was not the ideal start to United’s title defence. But with three Premier League away games in a row against Portsmouth, Liverpool (Sat 13 Sept) and Chelsea (Sun 21 Sept), the Reds must quickly move on.

Brown knows not to underestimate the challenge ahead of retaining the English and European crowns. “There’s a buzz around the place after last season’s success,” he says. “But it’s going to be tough to retain the two trophies, or even win more.”