Wes Brown insists the future of Manchester United's defence is in safe hands despite their shocking Carling Cup collapse at West Ham.
Although it has been suggested Jonny Evans will be taken out of the firing line in an effort to rebuild his shattered confidence after a tough season so far, Sir Alex Ferguson is again expected to go with the younger end of his squad for Tuesday night's Champions League encounter with Valencia.
Brown is adamant the Red Devils are in safe hands as he told Inside United: "We have some fantastic young players at the back. You could play a good back five with some of them in there; Ben Amos in goal, Rafael at right-back, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling in the centre and Fabio at left-back. That is the next generation."
The postponement of the Premier League trip to Blackpool this weekend might encourage Ferguson to name a slightly stronger side against the Spanish outfit.
But with matches against Arsenal and Chelsea looming before Christmas, Ferguson will not want to take any chances, which means the likes of Chris Smalling and the Da Silva brothers can hope to play some part.
Brown added: "When you talk about becoming a top defender, sometimes it is down to time.
"Of course you need the talent but you also need the experience of dealing with the pressure at the top level and the different scenarios you face as a defender.
"These young lads will learn a lot from every game they play."
Source: PA
