Wes: Plenty of positives

United and Juventus played out a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night, but Wes Brown says the Reds were pleased with the performance.

“It was a good run-out,” Brown told MUTV. “Juventus are a good team and we knew it would be a tough game.

“We managed to get a few of the young lads on and it was good experience for them.

“At this stage of the season it’s all about fitness and getting sharp, and we’ve got another game on Sunday as well. Hopefully everyone will be ready for Newcastle on the opening day of the season.”

One player not expected to make the Newcastle clash is Wayne Rooney. The striker has been struggling with a virus since returning from Africa and Sir Alex said earlier this week he doubted the England international would recover in time.

But Wes is hopeful Wayne can still play a part when United kick off their defence of the Barclays Premier League on 17 August.

“It’s just a little bug going around at the moment,” he said. “I think the guys [Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick] will be back at Carrington on Thursday and they’ll be flying by next week.

“I’m sure they’ll be ready for Newcastle.”