Source: Team_Talk
Winning the only option for Evra
Patrice Evra feels he let Manchester United down this season because the club did not retain the Premier League trophy.[LNB] The France full-back is in a minority of one given his performances would have secured his club's player-of-the-year prize at a minimum if it had not been for the outstanding contribution of Wayne Rooney.[LNB]But as he raked over the coals of a campaign that ended without him being crowned a league champion for the first time since 2006, Evra could not help analysing his own contribution.[LNB]By any standards, it has been impressive, a fact not lost on Sir Alex Ferguson given Evra's 51 appearances were more than anyone else in the United squad.[LNB]However, the 29-year-old insists he could have done more to avoid the shattering disappointment of watching Chelsea lift the trophy he has come to think of as United's own.[LNB]"I always say when we don't win the Premier League it feels like I have not done my job for the team," said Evra.[LNB]"When you play for Manchester United, you must always win.[LNB]"In four (full) years with Manchester United, this was the first time I have never won the league and I feel strange.[LNB]"To finish second is good but it is not my mentality."[LNB]Ferguson insists there is no point picking out games which could have changed the course of the season.[LNB]Evra can think of a few though. That second game defeat at Burnley for a start, more latterly the home defeat to Chelsea, followed by a draw at Blackburn that ultimately proved to be terminal.[LNB]Not that the season was without its highlights for the former Monaco man.[LNB]Certainly the feeling of lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley after captaining United to victory against Aston Villa will live long in the memory.[LNB]"I am very proud about that," he said.[LNB]"I was in good form and everyone has congratulated me on my season. It is not just about playing, it is about performing and I performed for 51 games.[LNB]"But every year I play for Manchester United I want to win. Here you have to be first.[LNB]"This year I don't feel we have done the job very well. I congratulate Chelsea but I feel like Manchester United have given them the league."[LNB]Evra's consolation comes from the fact his disappointment will not be allowed to linger for long.[LNB]Later this week he will join up with his French team-mates for the start of World Cup preparations which will cause a sense of indignation in the Republic of Ireland, where they continue to nurse a grievance at Thierry Henry's handball.[LNB]That injustice has not been made any easier to bear by the knowledge France received a favourable draw which, providing they play to something approaching their capabilities, will see them in line to face the winners of England's group in the quarter-finals.[LNB]"The only thing that is keeping me smiling is the World Cup," said Evra.[LNB]"What has happened with United is sad, so to think about the World Cup is good.[LNB]"I will give my best for my country and hopefully we will play England - in the final."
