Sir Alex Ferguson admits Wes Brown is revelling as an interim right-back during Gary Neville's enforced injury absence.

The Reds' club captain is back in training after more than six months out of action, but Brown's recent outstanding displays have not gone unnoticed by the United manager.

"Wes Brown is a great substitute for Gary because he's a terrific defender," Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.

"His two best performances have come against Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea. He's played his guts out in Gary's position."

United sit second in the Barclays Premier League table, despite a shot-shy start to the season, thanks to a miserly defence that has conceded just twice in seven games.
 
Edwin van der Sar was a virtual spectator in Sunday's win over Chelsea, and Sir Alex has been delighted with his side's collective defending.

"I must say, in home games this season, we've done that quite a lot," he said. "Reading and Sunderland hardly had a shot between them. I don't think we're doing a lot wrong.

"The team ethic has been good and everyone's working very hard to win the