Manchester United: Patrice Evra Up for the Fight in the Face of Leighton Baines

Patrice Evra is on a mission to keep his place in the Manchester United team—and save his new boss some money while he's at it.

After overcoming a difficult debut in the Manchester derby, the Frenchman has been the first choice left-back since Sir Alex Ferguson paid Monaco £5.5 million for his services in 2006.

It was no easy feat, given the popularity of Argentinian Gabriel Heinze.

But after five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League, Evra has seen a challenger emerge. But not from inside Old Trafford, rather from Goodison Park and from Leighton Baines.

The Everton full-back was first linked with a move to United two summers ago. 

The stories made sense. Baines' star was on the rise, viewed as a genuine challenger to Ashley Cole's place in the England team.

On the other hand, Evra's looked to be on a downward curve. Into his 30s, a player who could once have laid claimed to being the best left-back in the world looked a shadow of his former self during the 2011-12 campaign. 

The bursting runs forward were less frequent and his defending less assured. 

But those who thought Evra was gone for good were forced to rethink last season. Instead of Baines, Dutchman Alex Buttner arrived to provide competition, but he never got a look in.

His pace might have faded slightly with time, his leap a little less impressive. But Evra's composure was back, and his ability to put a winger in his pocket and not let him out until it was time to wash his shorts.

After returning to something like his best, United have been linked with Baines again this summer. It might have more to do with his history with new United manager David Moyes, but Evra would have forgiven for feeling a little hard done to.

But instead of spitting his dummy out, Evra has worked hard to show Moyes he doesn't need Baines. At least not this summer.

At Wembley, in the Community Shield against Wigan, he was of United's stand-out performers. 

His cross for Robin van Persie's first goal was inch-perfect, and he might have had a penalty had Callum McManaman's challenge in the second half been viewed differently.

Three months past his 32nd birthday, Evra might not be quite the player he once was. There'll come a time, sooner rather than later, when he'll be usurped by a younger model. But for now, he's up for the fight.

PATRICE Evra is on a mission to keep his place in the Manchester United team - and save his new boss some money while he's at it.

After overcoming a difficult debut in the Manchester derby, the Frenchman has been the first choice left-back since Sir Alex Ferguson paid Monaco £5.5m for his services in 2006.

It was no easy feat given the popularity of Argentinian Gabriel Heinze.

But after five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League, Evra has seen a challenger emerge. But not from inside Old Trafford, rather from Goodison Park, from Leighton Baines.

The Everton full-back was first linked with a move to United two summers ago. 

The stories made sense. Baines' star was on the rise, viewed as a genuine challenger to Ashley Cole's place in the England team.

On the other hand, Evra's looked to be on a downward curve. Passed his 30th birthday, a player who could once have laid claimed to being the best left-back in the world looked a shadow of his former self during the 2011/12 campaign. 

The bursting runs forward were less frequent and his defending less assured. 

But those who thought Evra was gone for good were forced to rethink last season. Instead of Baines, Dutchman Alex Buttner arrived to provide competition but he never got a look in.

His pace might have faded slightly with time, his leap a little less impressive. But Evra's composure was back and his ability to put a winger in his pocket and not let him out until it was time to wash his shorts.

But after returning to something like his best, United have been linked with Baines again this summer. It might have more to do with his history with new United manager David Moyes, but Evra would have forgiven for feeling a little hard done to.

But instead of spitting his dummy out, Evra has worked hard to show Moyes he doesn't need Baines. At least not this summer.

At Wembley against Wigan, he was of United's stand-out performers. 

His cross for Robin van Persie's first goal was inch-perfect and he might have had a penalty had Callum McManaman's challenge in the second half been viewed differently.

Three months passed his 32nd birthday, Evra might not be quite the player he once was. There'll come a time, sooner rather than later, when he'll be usurped by a younger model. But for now, he's up for the fight.

 

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