However, after a recent run of impressive defensive displays, Brown blotted his copybook when he deflected Vicente’s cross into his own net against Valencia at Old Trafford, to prevent Manchester United advancing into the knock-out stages with two games to spare.

It was a rare mistake, but unfortunately for Brown, it was made under Eriksson’s gaze and the 21-year-old is now hoping the Swede has a forgiving nature.

"It was very disappointing," said Brown.

"It was just my reactions really. I just tried to block the ball but it came off my studs and went in the back of the net.

"I was gutted yesterday but today is another day and I’ve just got to get on with things.

"Everyone was disappointed, especially myself, but sometimes that happens."

The youngster revealed that skipper Roy Keane had been one of the first people to console him in the tunnel after the game, reminding him of the own goal he had scored in the 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid which cost United their place in last year’s competition.

"Roy said it wasn’t half as bad as the one he scored," Brown said.

"At least we’ve still got the chance of going through."

But Brown, who has always shown a maturity beyond his 21 years since making his first team debut against Leeds in May 1998, has come a long way since the day when he went on trial at, of all places, Manchester City.

And after overcoming a career threatening knee injury last season he is now a regular alongside Jaap Stam in the United defensive machine.

"I went for a trial at City when I was 12 or 13 but they never gave me a reply and then I got in at United and I’ve never looked back," he said.

"To be honest my dad wasn’t impressed with City and thought they weren’t very organised.

"I’m a Manchester lad and I’ve always wanted to play for United. When I was at Lilleshall we used to watch games on the TV and I would say hopefully that will be me one day.

"Now it is and it’s still a dream."

But now Brown’s dreams centre around the announcement of Eriksson’s squad for the April 28 showdown with Spain at Villa Park and the vital Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

"If I get chosen for England that will be a dream come true," he said.

"I’ve been involved before - he has two caps - and being in the England squad is an opportunity that only comes along if the manager thinks you’re good enough and you’re playing well."

But the England team is secondary to United’s quest for yet another Premiership title - and Sunday’s game at Old Trafford will go a long way to deciding the title’s destiny.

"I hope we win, but it will be a very difficult game," he said.

"Arsenal have come into some good form. But if we win that could settle things, but it could go either way.

"They’ve got a lot of quality names at Arsenal but we’re at home and we’ve got a good record at Old Trafford. Hopefully we’ll use that to our advantage."