Patrice Evra: Everton draw killed Man Utd’s Premier League title bid

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra points to the Red Devils' 4-4 draw with Everton as the turning point in title race

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By TSR staff Monday 14 May 2012, 18:19 UK

Patrice Evra has won four Premier League titles with Manchester UnitedPhoto: The Sport Review

patrice evra

Patrice Evra believes Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Everton in late April ended up being the decisive moment in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City ended their 44-year wait for England’s top prize after Sergio Aguero’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers helped the Eastlands outfit claim the title ahead of the Red Devils on goal difference.

The 30-year-old France international, who has won the Premier League crown four times since moving to Old Trafford in 2006, considers United’s slip-up against Everton as the turning point in the title race, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side losing the Manchester derby eight days later at the Etihad.

“We killed ourselves this season when we were eight points clear with six points to go,” Evra told United’s website.

“To be winning 4-2 against Everton and then, in the last six minutes, end up with a draw at Old Trafford – I thought something like that wasn’t possible.”

Evra urged United to work hard over the summer to close the gap on City – and the French defender insisted the squad has complete faith in Ferguson’s ability to mastermind another United title success next season.

“We always need to improve,” he added. “I’m not crazy. Every player has to be better next season than we were this season, even if we haven’t been as poor as a lot of people are saying. And yes, fans will want to see a few new players.

“But that’s not my job. I trust totally in the boss. He’ll do the right thing. There aren’t many players who can play for Manchester United. It’s not easy. But transfers are not my job. If we need players, the boss will make the best decision.

“What we have to do – the players who are already here – is try and improve and realise that it is always a privilege to play for Manchester United. We will make sure we work hard in pre-season and ensure we’re ready for the next challenge.”