Evra wants Ron to lose the plot against old pals
PATRICE EVRA wants his Man United team-mates to have a love-in with Cristiano Ronaldo – then beat him up in the Bernabeu.
Superstar Ronaldo lines up against his old club for the first since his incredible £80million switch to Spain in 2009.
And Phil Jones is set to help out Rafael in shackling the United legend in the Spanish capital.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson reckons Real got a bargain when they shelled out for Ronaldo, who has smashed in 182 goals in 179 appearances.
But skipper Evra is sure that United can keep the striker quiet – and wants to “kill him with love” before kick-off!
He said: “It will be emotional for Ronny because he loves United. I hope the emotion will get to him – that will be perfect for us.
“We don’t have to wind him up before this game because when he’s angry he’s at his best.
“So let’s just be nice. We can say, ‘Welcome home Ronny!’. We want to kill him with love!”
Evra added: “We have played against Ronny many times in training and me and Rafa know what he can do.
“He is a top player. For me he’s the best player in the world.
“He will be a tough opponent but we have to make sure we are friends off the pitch, and enemies on it.” Evra reckons that stuffing Madrid also would put United firmly back on the European map.
When the draw for the last 16 pulled the Old Trafford outfit out against Jose Mourinho’s Galacticos, Ferguson admitted it was the tie everyone wanted to watch.
And after failing to get out of the group phase last season, the wily old Scot knows this can restate the Reds’ Champions League pedigree.
United reached the final in three out of four years up to their hiding against Barcelona in 2011 – beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow in 2008.
Fergie’s side are already romping their way to a 20th Premier League title as they head into their Bernabeu bash-up 12 points clear of Man City.
Evra said: “It could lift everyone. If we can beat Madrid then the response it provides for other teams is important.
“Don’t forget, last year we were knocked out in the first stage of the Champions League and maybe people have that image of Manchester United in Europe. We have to change that.
“That’s why I think this is the perfect year to show who we really are.
“We can’t miss this opportunity to show ourselves – it would be a huge disappointment.”
Collision
United were put through their paces on their Carrington training ground yesterday before flying out for their European tie.
Fergie revealed that he has stopped doing pre-match training in the opposition’s stadium because they can’t get his drills done.
The pressure has been building for this collision of European giants for two months.
But Evra is adamant United won’t feel nerves.
He said: “People think it brings great pressure but everyone dreams of playing in games like this.”