Man United’s Patrice Evra happy to help left-back rival Alexander Büttner

Patrice Evra says that he is happy to help left-back rival Alexander Büttner become a better player at Manchester United.

The 31-year-old is facing competition for a first-team place from the Dutch defender after becoming a mainstay of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side since joining from Monaco in 2006.

However, Büttner’s arrival has brought the best out of Evra, with the France international scoring four Premier League goals this term – the former Nice man had only scored two in the English top flight before the current campaign.

Despite his place being underthreat, Evra has no problems helping Büttner settle in at the Red Devils after Ferguson signed the Netherlands Under-21 international from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer.

“Of course, of course [happy to help Büttner],” said Evra. “I told him when I first arrived here, in my first six months the Old Trafford pitch looked like an airport!

“It was so big and you had to run so much it felt like my legs burned after games. But that’s normal at first. You need at least six months to adapt to playing here.

“I always try to help Alex because I am a United player, not just Patrice Evra. I want the benefit for the team. If it’s me that is playing well or Alex Büttner, I will be happy.

“I don’t just say that to look good. It’s the truth. I’m not a selfish player and I would hope any of my team-mates would tell you the same thing. I think Alex sees that I’m not a bad guy and I want to help him.”