Patrice Evra And Barcelona

The News of the World, who are not the most reliable of sources I admit, have published a story today about Patrice Evra leaving Manchester United because he is a £20 million target for Barcelona. It did make me chuckle somewhat to be honest.

The News of the World says the Spanish giants have made several trips to Old Trafford to monitor the Frenchman’s form and fitness. It's funny how they are the only ones to have noticed this. I'm sure Fergie would have spotted them a mile off if they had been there.

Although Evra signed a new four-year deal worth £70,000 a week only last season, he has been tempted in the past by the interest of Real Madrid and Barcelona and while Alex Ferguson rates him highly, he might be tempted by a £20m offer for a left-back. It is a good price without doubt.

Fergie does have high hopes for the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva and sees them as his long-term full-back partners. That could persuade Fergie to cash in on first-choice Evra as he freshens up his squad. It's not beyond the realms of possibility but I am very doubtful we will lose Evra any time soon. Well......I hope not anyway.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Injury List Joy

Manchester United's current run of good fortune and good results as well as their record breaking exploits continues today with news that their lengthy injury list is shrinking faster than the Bishop's nether regions after he had been with the actress.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand returned at West Brom on Tuesday after a back injury as United trounced WBA and Edwin Van Der Super Star became the new record holder as he reached 1032 minutes without conceding a goal. All of which helped the champions move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 victory. They now have the best goal difference in the league too.

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung and defender Wes Brown also took part at The Hawthorns and manager Alex Ferguson hopes to have Patrice Evra and Nani fit to face Everton at Old Trafford this Saturday.

"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back," Ferguson said, "Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton. If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it. Nani should also be fit for Saturday as well".

Wayne Rooney is still recovering from a hamstring and Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio and Anderson are also sidelined.

"Wayne has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no way we will bring him back early, he's doing terrific work in the gym and, in terms of his rehabilitation, he is on the mend. But we said at the time he was injured that it would be three or four weeks before he would be fit and there is no change there."

United's home clash with Everton was brought forward to Saturday because the visitors are involved in an FA Cup replay against Liverpool next week.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Receive An Apology From The FA After Evidence From The Patrice Evra Hearing Is Leaked

Manchester United have received an apology from the FA, which is as rare as rocking horse shit, following the publication of evidence from Patrice Evra's controversial disciplinary hearing.

United were furious that full-back Evra was punished for clashing with Chelsea groundstaff at Stamford Bridge last season, and angry the details were released before they even decided whether to appeal.

The FA branded defender Gary Neville, who was at the flare-up, "abusive" in a damning report into the incident.

Sir Alex Ferguson's No.2, Mike Phelan, was called an "unreliable" witness by the FA, who levelled the same charge at Evra's "exaggerated" version of events, effectively branding United liars.

United, who won't appeal Evra's four-game ban, welcomed the apology and declared the matter "closed".

Typical rubbish from the FA and all the clowns who work there....Back To Home Page

Manchester United's Evra Receives Four Match Ban

Manchester United's Patrice Evra has been banned for four matches and fined £15,000 after the hearing into last season's post-match altercation with a groundsman at Stamford Bridge.

The FA found the Manchester United defender guilty of improper conduct.

A United statement called the ban "excessive" and Evra will miss four matches commencing from 22 December. Chances are they will appeal the decision anyway.

Chelsea were fined £25,000 for failing to ensure an employee conducted himself in an orderly fashion. The FA said charges that groundsman Sam Bethell had used racially abusive language towards Evra after the match could not be proven.

Manchester United left a statement on their website: "Manchester United note the announcement from the FA and are disappointed with the decision and in particular consider the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive. Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision. There will be no further comment."

The hearing in London finished on Friday and was attended by officials from both clubs, with the cases being heard separately by the FA's regulatory commission. Evra and his team-mates were asked to move while warming down, sparking the row after last season's 2-1 league defeat in April. Evra, Gary Neville, Park Ji-Sung, Danny Wellbeck, John O'Shea and Paul Scholes - who did not feature in the match - were running on the field in a warm-down about 30 minutes after the final whistle when the trouble broke out.

The Frenchman and Bethell were pictured having a confrontation following the incident, with Bethell raising a fist towards Evra while being held back by two Chelsea staff members.

The FA said Evra had struck Bethell on the side of the head, and that the player admitted to pushing a different groundsman with his chest..... Back To Home Page...

Manchester United 'v' Chelsea In A Disciplinary Hearing This Time

Today is the day the FA have a lot of pressure on them. They will be holding a hearing into the 'Battle of Stamford Bridge' from last year. After the game, which United lost 2-1, there was a twenty man brawl involving Patrice Evra and a number of other players and the Chelsea groundstaff.

Evra was charged with improper conduct after his part in the melee.

Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell was accused by at least one member of the United group of using racist language towards Evra, though the player has never claimed he heard that. It has been said that United Assistant Manager Mike Phelan is the one to make these accusations.

Bethell has not been charged because of a technicality, but Chelsea have been charged with failing to ensure the proper conduct of their employee, and failing to inform him in his contract that he was subject to the FA's rules and regulations.

The hearing should last for two days. If anyone is found guilty of racism in any form no matter how small, then the FA really do need to come down like a ton of bricks on the offender. Not just some petty £10,000 fine like they gave Sir Alex earlier this season for his misconduct charge. I reported back then that I thought his punishment was pathetic. The FA need to realise these 'small' sums of cash mean nothing to any footballer or manager and even less to a club as a whole.....Back To Home Page...

Forget The Premier League And Champions League, Patrice Wants To Go Shopping

Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra has his own reasons for wanting to beat Manchester City in the Manchester derby this Sunday and it has nothing to do with the Premier League or the Champions League. Speaking to the Daily Mail he revealed the real reason he wants to win:

"I remember when we lost against City last year I was in a petrol station and a woman took the Mickey out of me, I was a little bit angry at the time but that was fine, it was just a joke. But I hope to win on Sunday so that when I go to the petrol station this time I can go in with a big smile! It is a big game for us. We lost six points to City last year and we need to change that. We drew against Villa last Saturday and now we need to get back to winning ways."

Bless him......Back To Home Page...

Will We Be Hull's Next Shock Victims ?

In theory Manchester United playing Hull at Old Trafford is a foregone conclusion, maybe 4-0 and off we go, three more points safely deposited in our bid for a third consecutive championship win. That's what will happen too I feel. Preparation is the key and Arsenal and Spurs took Hull too lightly I feel.

Patrice Evra, talking to Man Utd.com says United will be ready, Fergie will make no mistakes in dealing with any of the smaller teams this year. Patrice Evra says Saturday's visitors to Old Trafford will be full of belief after already beating Arsenal and Tottenham away this season.

"When you beat the big teams, in particular, you feel more confident and it gives you more freedom to play good football. I don’t expect to see all of their players defending, I think they’ll have a go. If that happens I think it could be a great game because that would open up space for us".

Saturday's clash will see Evra come up against fellow french man Bernard Mendy, a firm friend since the pair played against each other in their native France. "We first met when we were playing in France and I also played with him for the French U21’s - he's a good friend," explained Evra. "I’m happy to see him doing well at Hull, but when I see him at Old Trafford I’ll be focused on helping United win the game.".....Back To Home Page