EVRA EYES UP FERG’S NEW BUTT
Battle for left-back will keep Frenchman alert
PATRICE EVRA’S position at Manchester United has come under threat as Alexander Buttner completed his £4million move to Old Trafford.
The Frenchman was well below par for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side towards the end of last season and now the Scot has brought in Buttner to put some added pressure on him.
Evra, 31, had been relatively untroubled in the past with youngster Fabio previously his only real threat for the shirt.
But with the Brazilian out on loan to QPR for experience, Ferguson has taken the move to bring in Buttner, 23, from Dutch side Vitesse.
Evra will now have to up his performances if he is to hold on to his left-back position.
Ferguson said: “Alexander is one of the best young left-backs in Europe and we’re delighted to sign him.
“He’s someone we’ve been watching for a while now. He gives us some really exciting options in that position.”
Buttner was previously a target for Premier League newcomers Southampton but the deal broke down.
The defender’s move has raised a few eyebrows though as he failed to play in the Netherlands’ Euro 2012 team.
The Dutchman has yet to make a senior appearance for his country and was overlooked for Euro 2012 despite being in their provisional squad.
Admired
Buttner completed his medical on Monday and the signing was finally completed yesterday as he penned a deal until 2017 with United.
The former Ajax youth said: “Joining Manchester United is one of the best days of my life.
“It’s a team I have admired for many years now and I can’t wait to play my part in helping the club be successful.”
Nemanja Vidic insists United must put their Goodison Park nightmare behind them.
United last lost their opening game in 2004/05 and Vidic was critical of the team when he said: “We had some possession but we weren’t clinical.
“We’ve lost our first match in the past and finished well so hopefully we can win our next game and go on a long run.”
Jonny Evans isn’t expected back within a fortnight and the defence was also missing Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
But Vidic said they could not attribute their defeat to that.
“When you come to places like Everton you need big, strong defenders, but we won’t use injuries as an excuse,” said the Serbian.