Manchester United: Should Alex Buttner Start Above Patrice Evra Next Season?

Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner seem destined to do battle for the starting job at left-back next season.

The former is an established veteran who still has plenty to give, while the latter is an up-and-comer previously unknown to many fans before he signed last summer.

David Moyes is a known fan of attacking full-backs—the Scotsman loved overloading the flanks and creating mismatches at Goodison Park.

It is difficult to predict who he'll favour next season at left-back, but here are a few thoughts on a looming selection headache.

For Evra? For Evra-Evra?

Patrice Evra's 2012/13 season was a difficult one to assess.

For periods, the left-back was arguably Manchester United's most consistent defensive player, providing an attacking threat from deep like Rafael on the right.

He scored four goals this campaign, two more than he had in his first seven at Old Trafford.

He provided Robin van Persie in the middle with better crosses than any of the side's natural wingers, outdoing Ashley Young on the left in the creativity stakes.

His aerial prowess mysteriously improved from almost non-existent to a genuine goalscoring threat.

But there were also the games when fans were reminded of the Evra of old—the Evra who couldn't keep up with a pacy winger or protect the back post under searching crosses.

The Evra who no longer had the legs to react to an opposing winger with a decent amount of skill.

The Evra who would often get caught too far up the pitch, leaving gaping holes behind him for the opposition to exploit.

This isn't to be too critical of the Frenchman though—last season was his best since 2009/10.

But age is catching up with him fast. He turned 32 this month, a milestone that suggests his best days are well behind him.

He has played an incredible number of games over the past six years—an average of over 47 per season, a natural consequence of injury-avoidance.

It is difficult to imagine him playing anywhere else next term, but it is equally difficult to see him making 34 Premier League appearances.

The Heir Apparent?

Alex Buttner was played far less last term than many expected.

He spent the majority of his season plying his trade in the reserves league, waiting for a chance to prove himself in the first team.

His debut suggested so much more—a hustling, goalscoring display against Wigan in a 4-0 win at Old Trafford.

But come the end of the season, he had only racked up five Premier League appearances, three of which came in May.

He has plenty of talent to recommend himself—there are areas of his game that still need work, but he has the work ethic to improve.

This determined nature will suit David Moyes' managerial style well. The Scotsman is known for pushing his players to their limits—dragging the best out of them by any means.

His crossing is not yet up to par, nor is his positional awareness, but these are things that can be taught.

He also has a tendency to throw himself into challenges with reckless abandon. He could potentially turn into a walking red card if he's not careful.

These are criticisms, but Buttner's main strength is his ability to inspire.

The Old Trafford crowd loves a technically dubious, but emotionally dedicated workhorse—see: Gabriel Heinze

Next season is likely to see a rotation of the two players under David Moyes.

Patrice Evra will remain the number one option, but Buttner's role in the first team will increase. The Frenchman is still the better of the two and must remain above his rival in the pecking order.

There is also the possibility that Moyes brings in Leighton Baines from Everton, or promotes the promising Fabio, recently returned from a loan spell at QPR.

If this were to happen, both Evra and Buttner would legitimately fear for their long-term future at the club.

For now, it seems money would be better spent in other areas. Let the competition for a starting place push the other to the best of his abilities.

Who do you think should start for the Red Devils at left-back next term?

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