Patrice Evra Was Misinterpreted on Manchester United Contract, Says David Moyes

David Moyes has suggested the current speculation surrounding Patrice Evra's future isn't entirely accurate, as Paul Wilson writes in the Irish Times.

Evra was rumoured to be on the brink of a Manchester United exit following some revealing comments made over the past few days.

Moyes responded, per Wilson's article:

"

I think Pat’s comments might have been misinterpreted.

I haven’t spoken to him about it. I don’t know how Pat is regarded in France but in Manchester we think very highly about him.

He is an excellent player, fantastic in the dressing room, and I can only say good things.

"

During an interview with Le10 Sport, the French international implied that personal reasons may prevent him from remaining at Old Trafford, as Tom Coast describes for Sporting Witness.

The rise in power of both Monaco and PSG could well prove to be this "personal" issue, with both clubs now attractive options to Evra, boasting more Champions League-ready squads.

He grew up in Paris and spent four years at Monaco before joining Manchester United in 2006, making either club a suitable future destination.

At the same time, Moyes' pursuit of Leighton Baines has been well documented, with United's new manager clearly intent on bolstering his left-back core.

Rumours have already surfaced of a return for the Everton man this January, as James Dickenson writes in the Express, which may also have a bearing on the French international's future.

However, Moyes' latest comments will temporarily cool any talk of an exit. He clearly values Evra's presence and influence on his squad and has kept him on as vice-captain.

While he struggled against Adam Lallana on Saturday, Evra has been one of United's better performers in this difficult season, linking up especially well in attack.

There have been times during his United career where he's been one of the best left-backs in the world, as three consecutive appearances in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year emphasise.

He's occupied United's left-back slot for the best part of nine seasons, and whether these comments have been taken out of context or not, it seems likely that this will be his final season at Old Trafford.

How Moyes opts to replace him will prove another tough test for United's new manager.