Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra has expressed deep concern about the state of his old club, declaring that the future looks “not bright” as the team has been mired in chaos for over a decade. This comment comes as Manchester United currently sits 12th in the Premier League, having last claimed the title in 2013 during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season.
Evra, who won five Premier League titles with United, reflected on the turmoil that has followed Ferguson’s departure. “It’s always tough to talk about United right now because back in the day we used to play for the fan, for the badge, for the history,” he told BBC Sport NI.
The 42-year-old believes that the club is still feeling the impact of losing such a legendary manager. “When we left, we left too early, and it’s difficult for the players because they don’t have any example,” he added. While he recognizes that current manager Erik ten Hag is doing his best, he feels the results haven’t met expectations.
Evra lamented the fact that United has fallen behind not just their city rivals, Manchester City, but also clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal. “I’m a positive man, but it’s tough. Our rivals are getting better than us,” he said. “The future is not bright. It’s a tough moment.”
The former defender also voiced his displeasure over recent club developments, particularly the news that Ferguson will step down from his ambassadorial role at the end of the season. “The Ferguson thing, I didn’t digest it all,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of retaining such a storied figure in the club’s history.
Despite United’s recent successes under Ten Hag, including a League Cup and an FA Cup victory, Evra feels these achievements are insufficient for a club of Manchester United’s stature. He argues that it’s time for a full rebuild, stating, “When you’re the manager of United, what people expect from you is to win the league every year.”
In conclusion, while Evra remains a devoted fan, he acknowledges that the path ahead will require significant changes to restore Manchester United to its former glory. “We need to stop talking about the past. This is not the United it used to be. We have to rebuild it,” he said.
