Wes Brown is the 'best natural defender in the country', says Sir Alex Ferguson

Wes Brown has been hailed as the “best natural defender in the country” by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson is delighted by how Brown has performed alongside Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the Manchester United defence in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand.

The pair are set to continue their partnership at Portsmouth tomorrow because both John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are doubtful.

Ferguson said: “I must say that Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown have been absolutely fantastic in recent games.

“It just reminds you that when Wes Brown is fit, he is the best natural defender in the country. He’s a fantastic defender.

“So is Vidic and their partnership has been fantastic. I’m really pleased about that and that gives you a solid base that you need when you go away from home to places like Portsmouth.”

Ferguson praised Brown for the way he has battled back from injury several times to recapture his top form.

“You’ve got to pay tribute to the lad,” said the United manager. “He keeps coming back from the serious injuries he’s had in his career.

“He’s had two cruciates, a broken ankle, calf injuries and things like that. Last season he had a very staggered season in terms of interruptions to his consistency.

“But the previous season he was our most consistent defender, the year we won the European Cup in Moscow.

“So now he’s fit again and looking fantastic. He gets better all the time.

“He’s 30 now and I keep thinking he’s only 22 or 23. He’s got such a young approach to life. He’s done well, the lad.”

Ferguson is expecting a reaction from Portsmouth under new boss Avram Grant and ironically he faced the Israeli in his last game in the 2008 Champions League Final.

“There will be a response from their players,” he said. “You always have when you change manager,” he said.

“I know Avram well from his time with Chelsea and Portsmouth in the past. He’s very experienced and I’m sure he will get the right reaction from his players.”