The
news reported that if Manchester United succeeded in their improve bid for
Leighton Baines, Patrice Evra could be heading out of Old Trafford with Monaco,
Evra’s former club highly likely to get his signature. For most Manchester United
fans Patrice Evra has been of the unsung heroes of the title-winning squad
including the league-champions league winning year. His affection, his loyalty to Manchester United
was almost second to none.
Evra was also one of the most vocal voices when back in 2010 a certain star player shock the Manchester United by requesting a transfer claiming the club lack ambitions, highlighting that no one player should be bigger than the club. Therefore losing Evra would mean a very capable replacement be found. Yes it is true that his forms had not been scintillating compared to the pre-world cup 2010. But Patrice Evra was also one of the Manchester United player that average more than 40 games for the past 5 seasons. Very seldom fans would hear of injuries or bans or diving accusations. There are no controversies (saga involving Luiz Suarez would not count as Evra was the victim), but a man who consistently performs week in week out – maybe not at the highest level consistently.
Evra was also one of the most vocal voices when back in 2010 a certain star player shock the Manchester United by requesting a transfer claiming the club lack ambitions, highlighting that no one player should be bigger than the club. Therefore losing Evra would mean a very capable replacement be found. Yes it is true that his forms had not been scintillating compared to the pre-world cup 2010. But Patrice Evra was also one of the Manchester United player that average more than 40 games for the past 5 seasons. Very seldom fans would hear of injuries or bans or diving accusations. There are no controversies (saga involving Luiz Suarez would not count as Evra was the victim), but a man who consistently performs week in week out – maybe not at the highest level consistently.
As
for Leighton Baines himself, this is a golden opportunity. One of the biggest
clubs in the world, champions league football, trophy winning mentality. Baines
was considered one of the best left-back in the premier league last season. But
at 29 years old, this is probably his peak, with maybe another few seasons
(barring injuries) behind him. But for more than £15 millions, it also means no
resale value. In addition to resale value, if Baines is peaking now he is still
no way the player Evra was at his peak.
Manchester
United also has Alexander Buttner and Fabio da Silva. Buttner has shown sign of
being a good fullback in the making. As for Fabio, David Moyes should be giving
him chance to prove he can reach the level of his twin brother Rafael. There are
identical twins and naturally very bonded. Therefore Rafael alone can provide
Fabio with enough motivation to reach another level. David Moyes could also use
Patrice Evra as a midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. With his experience and
skills it would be interesting to see if Evra, together with Michael Carrick or
other central midfielders, dominating the midfield. Needless to say Patrice
Evra is not a done deal yet, there are much more to come from this battling frenchman,
and if Leighton Baines is to sign for Old Trafford it should not mean the end
of Evra at Man United.
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