Man United veteran Patrice Evra drawing inspiration from Chelsea success

Patrice Evra says he is drawing inspiration from Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2012 ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

The France international missed the 1-1 first-leg draw due to suspension, with inexperienced Dutch defender Alexander Buttner deputising for the United vice-captain last week.

It was funny because all season reminded me of the Chelsea season [that they won the Champions League in 2012] when they were not playing well in the league

Patrice Evra

Chelsea won their first-ever European Cup after beating Bayern at home on penalties in the final in May 2012 despite being widely written off against the German side.

And Evra feels there has been similarities between United’s current season and Chelsea’s Champions League-winning campaign.

“I will tell you something,” Evra told United’s website.

“It was funny because all season reminded me of the Chelsea season [that they won the Champions League in 2012] when they were not playing well in the league. I keep this in my mind. I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive so why not? You have to believe.”

Evra believes United have shown good form in the Champions League this season, with David Moyes’s men languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table.

“In the Champions League, we have played good,” Evra added. “We are confident and it looks like we are all up [for it] more than in the league and in the cup. I know it is not professional to say that but it is the truth. We look more like we’re on it, we look more like we have the Manchester United spirit when we play in the Champions League.

“I wish I had the answer why, it’s difficult and really painful. I don’t have any answer to it. Sometimes you have to let the storm pass and make sure we are ready for Bayern and make sure we are ready for next year as well.”