Manchester United

Patrice Evra: "I want to help" Alexander Buttner

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 30 January 2013

Patrice Evra says that he is doing all he can to help teammate and fellow left-back Alexander Buttner settle in at Manchester United.

Manchester United's Patrice Evra has insisted that he is fully supportive of his fellow left-back Alexander Buttner.

During League Cup and FA Cup matches this season, summer signing Buttner has often taken Evra's place in the side, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson known to be keen to keep his senior defender fresh for the entire campaign.

However, rather than feeling threatened by Buttner's presence, Evra has revealed that he has done all he can to help him settle in at Old Trafford.

"Of course, of course. I told him when I first arrived here, in my first six months the Old Trafford pitch looked like an airport," he told United Review. "It was so big and you had to run so much it felt like my legs burned after games. But that's normal at first. You need at least six months to adapt to playing here.

"I always try to help Alex because I am a United player, not just Patrice Evra. I want the benefit for the team. If it's me that is playing well or Alex Buttner, I will be happy.

"I don't just say that to look good. It's the truth. I'm not a selfish player and I would hope any of my team-mates would tell you the same thing. I think Alex sees that I'm not a bad guy and I want to help him."

Evra has made 25 appearances so far this year, while Buttner has featured on eight occasions.