Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Evra enjoys the fight

14 Nov 2006 - 13:54:07

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Manchester United's French left-back Patrice Evra has admitted that he struggled to adapt to life in England during his first few months at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old joined United in January from AS Monaco and took time to settle into life in the Premiership, but has improved this season to become a first-team regular with the Red Devils.

Evra told AFP: "When I left Monaco, the first six months in Manchester were very difficult.

"At Monaco I had a guaranteed place in the team, there was never any competition. But here, in every training session, I have to fight with Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre.

"If you're not physically strong, you can't play in England. I didn't understand that when I arrived.

"I came with my technical ability, but in England first of all you have to be strong. Then you can play football.

"In France, I had time to look up. Here, as soon as you have the ball, the midfielder or forward has already tackled you."