Patrice Evra urges Man United to prove No1 status in February

Patrice Evra has urged Manchester United to prove that they are the “number one team” in Europe amid a tough set of fixtures in February, including their Champions League last-16 clash against Real Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, while the Red Devils face Reading in the FA Cup fifth-round later this month.

But United’s biggest test is the first leg of their second-round tie against Jose Mourinho’s Madrid on 13 February as the three-time European champions look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2011.

“It’s a really important time for us,” Evra told United’s site.

“It’s important that we do well in the league in February, but we also have the Champions League game against Real Madrid.

“This is the time when you have to win your games and show that Manchester United is the number one team. It won’t be easy, but this is the right moment.”

Evra also warned his team-mates against complacency despite their commanding lead over nearest league rivals and defending champions Manchester City.

“I am really happy with what we are doing in the league and the other competitions,” added Evra.

“Nobody forgets the big disappointment of losing the title last season. It’s really important that we just keep going because the league is not finished in February. We have a lead but nothing is done yet.

“We just have to take it game by game and aim to win every match. That’s the right attitude to have. In every game this season we have had the right attitude.”