Source: Team_Talk
Evra: Rafael will bounce back stronger
Patrice Evra is convinced fellow Manchester United full-back Rafael will emerge stronger for his red card torment against Bayern Munich.[LNB] Most pundits have pointed to the youngster's dismissal early in the second half as the pivotal moment in a Champions League quarter-final United appeared to have under control last week.[LNB]As the Red Devils subsequently failed to overcome Blackburn at Ewood Park to slip four points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea, it appears as though it will be a seminal moment in United's entire campaign.[LNB]Yet Evra is confident the Old Trafford outfit will gain a major benefit in the long run, as he is convinced Rafael is destined for great things.[LNB]"It is a good experience for Rafael and he will definitely be a better player because of what happened," said Evra.[LNB]"When he gets some experience he will be different class.[LNB]"I know Rafael's mentality. I am sure about him. He has a lot of hunger.[LNB]"This was just part of the development process. He will go on to become one of the best right-backs Manchester United have ever had."[LNB]Evra was older and more experienced when he arrived at United in a £5million deal from Monaco in January 2005.[LNB]Yet even he struggled at first, which is why he feels confident about Rafael.[LNB]"When I came here I was 24. I was already playing with the French national team and had reached the final of the Champions League with Monaco," said Evra.[LNB]"But the first six months were difficult.[LNB]"It was a big slap in my face. But I had enough experience and character to do much better and show why Manchester United bought me from Monaco."[LNB]Not that he views the young Brazilian as the bad guy.[LNB]Given the way Bayern used all their experience to pressurise the referee into sending Rafael off, Evra feels the dismissal could have happened to anyone.[LNB]"Rafa did something that maybe, with more experience, he would not do," reflected Evra.[LNB]"But I am not certain. Someone might make the same mistake at 32.[LNB]"The point is, you need to make mistakes to become a big player.[LNB]"You learn. You have to be mentally strong because anyone can do something stupid."
