Wes Brown
It’s two down and one to go for ex-Manchester United skipper Steve Bruce in his triple raid on his old club.
Wes Brown and John O’Shea have completed their moves to Sunderland – both on four-year deals.
And all indications are they will soon be joined by former Reds team-mate, midfielder Darron Gibson.
Former England international Brown, 31, opted for Bruce’s Black Cats despite interest from Bolton and Stoke, which would have meant him not having to move from his Cheshire home.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed the trio – all established squad players – to move north after his own £50m transfer swoop – with one more stellar signing widely expected.
Sunderland had a joint bid of more than £12m for Brown, O’Shea and Gibson accepted last month. O’Shea finalised his deal last night, while fellow Republic of Ireland international Gibson is expected to sign for Bruce next week.
Bruce said: “We are delighted to welcome a player of Wes’ ability, experience and character to the club.
“He has been a fantastic professional for United through the years and not only will he strengthen our defensive options, he will also bring with him a winning mentality and level of maturity which can only be positive for the players around him.”
Brown won 23 England caps before announcing his retirement from the international game last summer.
“John has been a solid, consistent part of United’s squad for well over a decade which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed,” said Bruce of O’Shea.
Fergie admitted it had been a tough decision to allow both to leave. He said: “Wes has been a great asset to the club during the most successful period in its history. He was a product of the youth system and marked himself out from an early age as one of his generation’s most natural defenders.
“John has been an outstanding servant to the club. His versatility, calmness under pressure and his commitment to the cause at United means fans will remember him with great affection.”
Wes Brown and John O’Shea have completed their moves to Sunderland – both on four-year deals.
And all indications are they will soon be joined by former Reds team-mate, midfielder Darron Gibson.
Former England international Brown, 31, opted for Bruce’s Black Cats despite interest from Bolton and Stoke, which would have meant him not having to move from his Cheshire home.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed the trio – all established squad players – to move north after his own £50m transfer swoop – with one more stellar signing widely expected.
Sunderland had a joint bid of more than £12m for Brown, O’Shea and Gibson accepted last month. O’Shea finalised his deal last night, while fellow Republic of Ireland international Gibson is expected to sign for Bruce next week.
Bruce said: “We are delighted to welcome a player of Wes’ ability, experience and character to the club.
“He has been a fantastic professional for United through the years and not only will he strengthen our defensive options, he will also bring with him a winning mentality and level of maturity which can only be positive for the players around him.”
Brown won 23 England caps before announcing his retirement from the international game last summer.
“John has been a solid, consistent part of United’s squad for well over a decade which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed,” said Bruce of O’Shea.
Fergie admitted it had been a tough decision to allow both to leave. He said: “Wes has been a great asset to the club during the most successful period in its history. He was a product of the youth system and marked himself out from an early age as one of his generation’s most natural defenders.
“John has been an outstanding servant to the club. His versatility, calmness under pressure and his commitment to the cause at United means fans will remember him with great affection.”
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