Evra: I have never taken my place for granted

Patrice Evra says he is ready to ‘fight’ for his place in the Manchester United starting XI after the arrival of youngster Alexander Buttner.

The former Vitesse Arnhem player, who joined the Old Trafford outfit during the summer, made his debut against Wigan two weeks ago – marking the occasion with a goal and an assist.

Evra was reinstated from United’s Champions League exploits and recent trip to Anfield and, despite being Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-choice left-back since 2008, he asserted that he has never taken his place for granted, and has no intention of giving it up now.

“It is too easy for people to say that now we have bought another left-back Patrice Evra will have to fight for his place. Patrice Evra has always fought for his place,” the 31-year-old said.

“Football is like a pyramid. It is easy to reach the top of the pyramid but to stay there is the hardest part.

“If someone is there or not I will fight because you have to respect the shirt. When you play for Manchester United that is the big challenge.

“When I hear people say Patrice never had someone to fight him for his place I think they have bad memories.

“They forget very quickly how I got to become Manchester United’s left-back. I fought with two great players in Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre.”

After failing to win a trophy last season, United are smarting and Evra says that the pressure to succeed comes from the high standards set by Ferguson.

“When you play for Manchester United any year you don’t win the title you feel like you haven’t done your job,” Evra said.

“I am not special. If I end up on the bench it will be because I didn’t play well. I accept that. Even if we lose I will always blame myself.

“This year the boss will give no presents to anybody. It should be difficult for him to pick his 11 players.

“Maybe last year there wasn’t enough competition on every part of the pitch.”