Evra: I thank God I’m playing for Manchester United

Patrice Evra admits Manchester United's youngsters have him constantly looking over his shoulder.

Evra is battling the likes of Fabio da Silva to keep his place at left-back.

And he told Chinese fans in a Q&A: "To always be fit and play at your highest level, because at United if you play just a normal game you can find yourself on the bench: someone’s always ready to replace you. That’s why I know I have to work hard every day to fight for my place – even if I’m playing every game.

"The day I stop working hard, Sir Alex will put me on the bench. I know this, which is why I wake up feeling lucky every day and I thank God I’m playing for Manchester United."

Ferguson ready to axe Ferdinand, Evra after derby humiliation

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to swing the axe on Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra.

The Mirror says Ferguson will undergo a radical review of his defence in the aftermath of the derby debacle, with question marks over even players as established as Ferdinand and Evra.

Although Fergie is not prone to knee-jerk reactions and impulsive decisions, he is known to harbour major concerns about his defence, which has looked vulnerable for the past few weeks.

Ferdinand and Evra could pay the price for Sunday's derby nightmare, with Fabio Da Silva coming in at left-back against Everton and Chris Smalling partnering Vidic in central defence, with Phil Jones at right-back.

Evra stands by Suarez allegations: TV caught it

Patrice Evra stands by claims he was racially abused by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The FA have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the Manchester United star’s allegations.

In an interview with French tv station Canal Plus, Evra said: “There are cameras. You can see him (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times.

“There is no place for that in 2011. He was trying to wind me up.”

Evra admits Da Silva twins have him nervous

Patrice Evra admits he fears for his place due to the young players now coming through.

Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio have already proved themselves more than capable at full-back. Danny Welbeck has just won his second England cap after scoring five times for United - a figure only exceeded by Wayne Rooney.

And Tom Cleverley has just been handed a four-year contract extension as deserved reward for his impressive early-season performances.

Little wonder Evra is feeling vulnerable.

"I'm only 30 but I feel like the oldest player in the team," he said. "I just have to show the young players that I'm still here and I want to play every game.

"I need to prove I am still fit because they are young. Maybe they have more energy and think they can steal my place.

"Of course, though, you also have to help them and talk to them if anything is wrong. We are here to protect them and to show them that it's easy to reach the top, but to stay there is the most difficult thing.

"But before we can say anything to the young players, we have to show our own example on the pitch because the competition is really fierce.

"The boss is not afraid to put the young lads in and it's working well."

Evra, Hernandez out of Man Utd season opener

Manchester United will be without Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez for their first match of their Premier League title defence this weekend.

The Red Devils take on West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Sunday but left-back Evra is unlikely to play as he tries to recover from a knee injury which forced him off late in the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and made him miss France’s midweek friendly with Chile.

In Hernandez’ case, the Mexican is still a week or two away after sustaining concussion on the teams pre-season trip to the USA last month.

Evra backs Fergie: Tevez told me too about quitting in 2013

Fullback Patrice Evra has backed Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Carlos Tevez always planned to quit Europe and return to South America.

A £40million move to Brazilian club Corinthians broke down last week, but Tevez remains determined to leave Manchester City and be nearer his two young daughters in Argentina.

Evra said: "I'm very close to Carlito and even when he was playing for United when he was 23 or 24, he told me that another two years in the UK and he would be back in Argentina.

"I said, 'Carlito, you're young'. But he told me, 'Yeah, but I've won everything. I want to go back closer to my family and play in my country'.

"Now I know he wasn't lying. He's doing what he told me three years ago, and I'm not surprised at all."

Evra revealed he told SAF he wanted to quit OT last season

Evra has revealed that he told manager Alex Ferguson he wanted to quit Old Trafford last year.

Evra dropped the bombshell at the start of last season when both Inter Milan and Real Madrid wanted to buy him.

But Fergie got the defender to his house and talked him round to staying put.

Evra, 30, said: "After the World Cup I'd told him I wanted to go.

"Sometimes you have to make a choice in your life and there was an approach from two big clubs. I just had a chat about it with the boss.

"Sometimes you want to try something different. For family reasons perhaps there was a choice to move.

"In the end I made the right choice and I'm so happy to still be a Man United player."

Patrice Evra tells Samir Nasri to join Manchester United

Patrice Evra has told Samir Nasri to forget Arsenal and Manchester City and join him at Old Trafford.

There is a three-way battle going on for the Gunners midfielder.

But Manchester United left-back Evra has intervened and advised his good friend and French international team-mate that the Theatre of Dreams is the only place to be if he wants to win trophies and become a world star.

Evra said: "I've talked a lot with him in the holidays and told him how great it is to play for Manchester United and how important it would be for him to become one of the biggest players in the world.

"I remember I made that little joke saying that he's a prince now but if he wants to be the king then he has to join Man United.

"But that's the reality - and I've told him that. I said, 'If you want to win trophies, you have to come here'.

"In five years I've won 12 trophies and I don't know if I'd have won more than that with another club. So I just told him the truth.

"I don't know how negotiations are at the moment but he has a lot of clubs interested in him and he has to think.

"I just told him how good it would be for him coming here. He will have a nice welcome and I can help as well because I'm French.

"We've spoken a lot in the summer and also when we met up for friendly games with France at the end of the season. It was looking interesting but I don't know, we'll have to see."

He said: "If he goes to City it's his choice. But I know, as a player, if I have Manchester United and Manchester City, I'd go straight away for United.

"It can be for the money. But I'd prefer to go for the glory. He said it's a privilege a club like United want him but he has to think about his future and talk with his agent."

Cantona made it easy for French players to join Man Utd – Evra

Patrice Evra believes club legend Eric Cantona paved the way for Frenchman to come to Old Trafford.

Cantona was somewhat of a trailblazer, departing his homeland for Leeds United in 1992 before enjoying a highly successful five season with United up until 1997.

Evra feels that ‘The King’ opened the door for players from France to make their way to England and Manchester in particular and thanked him for doing so.

"I already knew Cantona was 'The King', but I really discovered who he was when I arrived here," Evra told the club's official website.

"He is a legend. If French football players like me succeed at United, it is him who first opened the doors for us. We will never thank him enough for that.

"During my first season, I watched lots of Eric's DVDs and told myself, 'You now know what the United fans are expecting from the French players'."

Evra pinpoints Bursaspor win as moment that turned the season

Patrice Evra says that Manchester United’s victory over Turkish club Bursaspor in October was a monumental moment in the season.

The Red Devils got over Bursaspor 1-0 in an unconvincing performance in the Champions League group stage but it was the events prior to the game which really brought the squad together.

Wayne Rooney had announced that he wanted to leave the club, later rescinding those comments, but at the time Evra said it was a point where the champions really kicked into gear.

"The year twisted on that game against Bursaspor," he said.

"We won but everyone was criticising us. [But] for all the trouble that was around the club, I felt then the team was more of a unit.

"I just knew Man Utd were going to come together."

But besides that, Evra felt that United were always in control in the run-in to the title.

"Although we were dropping points I never felt anyone was better than us," he added.

"It was always our fault. Every time it was us making the mistake.

"I wasn't sure about Chelsea. They won their first two matches easily [6-0 against both West Brom and Wigan] and it led people to say they would win the title.

"I wanted to see what happened when they had their first real test. They got it at Man City, and they lost.

"After that I thought we would do well."

Evra: Park can run all day with Barcelona star Messi

Patrice Evra has highlighted Park Ji-sung's influence on their second-half of the season success.

Evra admitted his friend could be a key figure in the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"Ji's unbelievable," Evra told MUTV. "I was just laughing when I was watching the game when he was running, because it was unbelievable.

"It must be the Korean food. I try to do the same, sometimes I go to his house and eat the same food. But [seriously] I think Ji is an example to every player. He runs for everyone. Sometimes if I'm tired I know I'll be okay because Ji will run for me.

"I think he's one of the most important players in the team because he doesn't stop running, he can run all day. It's funny because when we reached the final, some fan said, 'Yeah, we're going to win against Barcelona because Ji is going to run all day with Messi.'

"I made some joke with Ji in the dressing room afterwards, saying 'People now think you're a defender'."

Spartak Moscow rejected chance to sign Man Utd star Evra for nothing

Former Spartak Moscow sports director Yuri Pervak admits they came close to signing fullback Patrice Evra.

Pervak says they could have signed the French ace for nothing.

He revealed: "Evra was available on a free transfer from Monaco.

"All that we needed to do was to pay his agent, but the people responsible said he had a bad temper and refused to buy him."

Evra feels SAF has found Rooney's best position

Patrice Evra feels boss Sir Alex has found Wayne Rooney's best position after victory at Schalke.

Operating in his newly adopted position behind strike partner Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Rooney excelled against the Germans, playing with a sense of freedom that allowed the England star to dictate the game from various areas of the Veltins-Arena pitch.

It's a position he has made his own, according to Reds team-mate Evra: “I think Wayne has found his position. When he’s a little bit behind the striker, he gets more touches of the ball.

“I also think Wayne can play as a number 10. He likes to give good balls, and he scores. From behind, maybe he’s more dangerous. I think Wazza is happy to play there as well.”

Evra wants to follow Giggs in Yoga class!

Patrice Evra hailed the performance of Ryan Giggs after victory at Schalke.

Speaking in the aftermath of United’s win, Evra told French broadcasters the reason behind the Welshman’s fine form:

"Giggs? He must stop talking about his yoga!

"He says it makes him run faster. I will have to sign up immediately!

"He is 37 years old and he runs more than almost everyone else on the pitch, and he is decisive. What can I say?!!"

Evra inks new Man Utd deal to 2014

Patrice Evra has signed a new deal to 2014 with Manchester United.

The France left-back confirmed the agreement today.

"Ever since I arrived at United, it's been a dream come true playing here," he said.

"The fans, the players, the manager and the staff all work hard to make this club the best in the world.

"I have won a lot in the last five years, but I want to win more and I know that's the mentality of everyone here."

United boss Sir Alex is delighted Evra's future is sorted.

"Patrice is unquestionably one of the world's best left-backs," said the Scot.

"He has developed into a key character in the dressing room and it is great that he has committed himself to the club.

"His experience and skill will be increasingly important to us."

Man Utd to offer Evra and Berbatov a new contract.

The Red Devils are desperate to hold on to their star left-back and have offered him a new deal.

Manchester United have offered French left-back Patrice Evra a new deal to prolong his Old Trafford stay until the end of his career, according to The Sun.

With Real Madrid and Inter Milan showing interest in the former France captain, manager Sir Alex Ferguson would like to put an end to rumours and tie Evra down.

The 29-year-old Frenchman still has 18 months left on his £70,000-a-week deal in Manchester and the table-toppers will reportedly award him with an improved contract until 2014.

After offering left-back Patrice Evra a new contract, it has been reported that Manchester United will follow suit with Dimitar Berbatov .

The Red Devils will apparently offer the Bulgarian, who has one-and-a-half seasons left on his current contract, a new three-year deal.

The Sun says the new contract would see the 30-year-old’s wages rise from £100,000 a week to around £120,000 a week.

Berbatov was linked with an Old Trafford exit in the summer, but he has been in excellent form this season.

The striker has scored 19 goals and set up two for the Premier League leaders, including two hat-tricks and a tremendous five-goal haul against Blackburn.

He has a league efficiency ratio of a goal or assist every 82 minutes.

Evra admits he would leave Man Utd only for Real..

Patrice Evra admits he would be prepared to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has concerns over Evra's contract situation and is aware of Real and Barcelona's interest.

Quoted in the Spanish media byIntergoles, Evra revealed: "I am very happy in Manchester and I have not thought about leaving, but if Alex (Ferguson) wants to use me to buy another player, then I admit that Real Madrid is the best alternative to Manchester United.

"If that option comes and Manchester United is positive about the operation, then I would accept with pleasure."

But Evra insisted his first loyalty was to United.

"I have a contract until 2012 with Manchester United and if people think I'm upset about being here, they are wrong."

Evra vowed to push Obertan into becoming a star!

Patrice Evra has vowed to push Gabriel Obertan into becoming a Manchester United star.

Evra was delighted with the way fellow Frenchman Obertan, 21, finally announced himself to the United faithful with a spectacular goal in Tuesday's 3-0 win away to Bursaspor.

The moment was a long time coming following Obertan's £3million move from Bordeaux last July.

Injuries have plagued him since and the odd run-out suggested nothing of what came from his right foot on Tuesday.

Evra said: "It was his best performance and I'm really pleased with him as he's working hard.

"I keep talking with him every day and tell him to take his chance.

"He showed his potential at Bursaspor but now the most difficult part is coming.

"I keep telling him 'It's not easy at United but you are still young and have a lot of quality'.

"He is like my younger brother and that's why I hope he doesn't get too sleepy because now is the time to show he has the potential to play for Manchester United."

Patrice Evra has been handed a month off

Patrice Evra has been handed a month off by Sir Alex Ferguson to help him recover from his World Cup nightmare and marathon season.

Manchester United players involved in South Africa, including Wayne Rooney, have been given three weeks’ holiday before they need to report back for pre-season training, but manager Ferguson believes France international Evra needs an extra week off.

Left-back Evra, 29, played more matches than any other United player last season and, including internationals, clocked up 60 games.

His season ended on a low note as captain of the disgraced France team that went home early from the World Cup after failing to win a game. Their campaign was marred by bust-ups between players and much-maligned coach Raymond Domenech.

Ferguson believes the France squad were out of order for their training boycott, but hopes the month away from the game will help to re-charge Evra’s batteries for the new season.

New France coach Laurent Blanc, meanwhile, says he will not punish the players who refused to train during the World Cup.

“I was shocked by some behaviour, but I’m not the bogeyman. It is not my responsibility to take disciplinary action,” said Blanc.

Patrice Evra REVEALED he will never the forget the abuse he received in Senegal

Patrice Evra is happy to be back in Africa - but he will never forget the abuse he received in his native Senegal.

The Manchester United defender sparked fury back home in 2002 when he opted to play for France's Under-21s rather than the country of his birth.

Evra is now poised to captain Les Bleus when they start their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in Cape Town on Friday.

The left-back, 29, explained: "I grew up amid a Senegalese culture at home.

"But we became Westernised very quickly and when I had to choose between playing for Senegal or France my father told me to follow my heart.

"I opted for France, as that was where I had grown up, but I then came in for lots of abuse in Senegal.

"I was called a monkey who grovels before the white man and labelled a money-obsessed traitor to the nation. But my parents helped me get through it.

"I had not been back to Senegal since the age of 10.

"I have still not returned. It is 19 years now and I need an incentive to make me go."

Evra is dreaming of going all the way to glory in Johannesburg on July 11.

He added: "I have two wishes. I want to win it for France and hope it is a huge party for football and all Africa with no security problems.

"This World Cup will be very important to my family as well as myself. I was born in Dakar to a Senegalese father and a mother from Cape Verde.

"But we moved to Brussels when I was just a year old, because of my father's job with the Senegalese Embassy.

"I just had time to mess a few nappies before I was on the plane.

"We stayed in Belgium for two years before moving to Les Ulis in the Paris suburbs.

"I often talk about the World Cup with my father. He is now 81 and badly asthmatic.

"He says seeing me lift the World Cup would be the greatest present he could have before he goes to heaven."