The Resurgence of Patrice Evra

When last season Manchester City lifted the blue ribbon decorated trophy many hearts were broken. A string of unconvincing performances coupled with an injury ravaged back line  Manchester United had to imagine what would have been if they had played better, scored better and defended better. Patrice Evra who is a champions league winner with the red half of Manchester came under intense criticism through the entire season. Football pundits as well as commentators highlited his many failings and fueled suggestions that perhaps the once prolific left back was done.

Fast forward to 2013 and any mention of Evra is followed by a picture of a pacy and skillful player challenging every arial ball and delivering dangerous crosses into the opponents 18 yard box.  Not only is he capable of bombing forward to link up with the attack,  his presence at set-pieces this term has been unbelievable. After setting up both goals against Liverpool,  he was desperately unlucky to see his header brush off Nemanja Vidic to lead to the Serbian being credited with the effort. Patrice Evra is one of the fittest players at United. He has also had more appearances than any other player in the last six seasons, averaging almost 50 matches per term. Already this term he has scored 4 goals and provided a total of six assists. His link up play and bursting runs is second to none.

Speaking to MUTV on the secret to his resurgence he said, "It’s not an accident, I've started to believe that I can score. That’s why whenever we get a corner kick I try to put myself in the right place. It’s always a good delivery too – Wayne [Rooney] has set up two of my goals, and van Persie too”