For Wes Brown, facing Liverpool as a Manchester United player was always a test of nerves and skill.
From tense moments on the pitch to triumphant victories, the former defender has experienced it all.
One memory that sticks out is a January 2005 clash at Anfield, where Brown was sent off in the 65th minute for a second bookable foul on John Arne Riise, leaving him anxiously hoping United could hold their lead after Wayne Rooney’s early strike.
“I was panicking for 20 minutes in the dressing room,” Brown recalls.
“You’re just thinking, ‘Please don’t let them come back.’”
But there were brighter moments too. In March 2008, Brown opened the scoring in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, his first goal in three years, connecting with a cross from Rooney past Jerzy Dudek.
“That goal felt incredible,” Brown said. “We had Mascherano sent off and finished 3-0.
Big games against Liverpool have a different weight, even compared to the Manchester derby.
You feel the pressure, but the satisfaction when you win is unmatched.”
A Record Against the Reds
Over his career, Brown played 15 matches against Liverpool, winning eight—including three victories at Anfield.
Fast forward to today, he’s set to face Liverpool again this weekend for a United Legends XI match in Hong Kong, proving the rivalry never truly fades.
Looking at the current Premier League matchup, Brown believes pressure is on Liverpool after three straight losses in all competitions.
“Even though Liverpool have dipped a little, they’re still favorites,” he says.
“That might take some pressure off United. If we can get a win there, it could really change momentum going forward.
Liverpool will want to make a statement, and United has to match that intensity.”
Assessing Liverpool’s Summer Spending
After securing their 20th league title in May, Liverpool invested heavily in the transfer market, spending £446 million on 10 new players, including big-name signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.
Brown acknowledges it’s early to judge the impact.
“They’re still finding their rhythm with the new players. Whether it’s too many signings at once is hard to say.
But the quality is there. It just takes time for the squad to gel, and bringing in top players is always a positive move in my book.”
United’s Summer Reinforcements Bring Optimism
Meanwhile, Manchester United spent £236 million on players like Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Diego Leon. Brown is encouraged by what he has seen so far.
“There are a lot of positives,” he says. “Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on the right can be a massive threat.
Mbeumo’s been a standout—he gets on the ball, creates space, and forces defenders to respect him.
Sesko is growing in confidence, and Cunha has a unique character that could add something special to the team.”
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also impressed in his debut against Sunderland, keeping a clean sheet and earning immediate comparisons to legends like Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
“He brought confidence and command to the goal,” Brown notes.
“One game isn’t enough to judge fully, but he showed the concentration and presence you need at a big club.
Against Liverpool, we can expect him to continue making an impact.”
Looking Ahead to Anfield
With the Premier League match at Anfield approaching, Brown sees it as a pivotal opportunity for United.
“It’s a chance to take advantage of a Liverpool side that’s not quite firing on all cylinders,” he says.
“Pressure will be on both teams, but it’s also the perfect moment for United to make a statement. This game could shape the season moving forward.”