Evra chosen over Marcelo

Patrice Evra agreed to a new four-year contract with Manchester United which will keep him at the Old Trafford until the summer of 2015. The French defender’s current contract ends in the summer of 2012 and he was speculated to join the La Liga side Real Madrid coming summer.

Usually, Manchester United wouldn’t have started contract talks until the end of the current season but Sir Alex being aware of the potential move of the Left Back to Spain asked David Gill, the chief executive, to put forward the contract talks. According to some reports, Evra was part of a deal where Real Madrid offered the English side player plus cash which included the Brazilian Left Back Marcelo.

‘Why did Sir Alex choose Evra over Marcelo?’ is the ultimate question here. Obviously he would have thought ‘Real’ hard to make such a choice considering the never ending defense problems at Manchester United. And with an experienced player like Gary Neville hanging his boots the difficulty to make a choice only arose. Considering the time a player like Fernando Torres could take to adjust at Chelsea, Marcelo would certainly be a long term investment for Manchester United. But disturbing the defensive line could only bring troubles for a team who has a poor away-form this season. This point can be supported by the statement Marcelo made in the press conference at the end of the 2008-09 season saying, “I now feel better playing as a striker.”

Also, a player of Evra’s cadre is difficult to replace for any club. The pace at which he proceeds towards the goal on the left flank, the last ditch challenges he puts on opponent wingers, the stamina he flaunts on the field are unimaginable for a 22-year old to fill in for. A career total of 458 club appearances and 12 goals in the process show his commitment towards the backline of the Red Devils’ line-up.

But now the possibility of any move has been eroded with the Frenchman committing his long-term future as a Red Devil. This news must have come as a certain shock to Real Madrid who has made Manchester United their feeder club. From Beckham to Van Nistelrooy to C. Ronaldo and now Patrice Evra, Real Madrid wants every good player that has played at United. But for now they have to be satisfied with what they have and play Marcelo who has been tipped as the successor to Roberto Carlos by many spectators.

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