Patrice Evra - United to retain title.
Patrice Evra insists Manchester United will win the Premier
League this season.
United failed to grab top spot at the weekend when they were
held at Birmingham, since when the Old Trafford outfit have been
submerged in a mountain of criticism about their debt and ability
to pay it off.
It has all contributed to a feeling the Red Devils are bound to
lose their grip on the Premier League title in May.
Yet Evra disagrees with that stance.
The France full-back is adamant no other side could have coped
with having nine defenders out at one time, as was the case with
United last month.
And he is confident he will once again end up as a champion.
"I am sure we will win the league this year," he said.
"Tell me another team that would have nine defenders injured
like that and still only be one point away from the leaders.
"Chelsea and Arsenal do have a game in hand but no-one else
could do so well.
"We would definitely be well ahead at the top of the table
without these problems."
Given the negativity of the past few days, it was probably just
as well United spent the last few days in Qatar.
Ferguson set up the visit mainly as a warm weather training
expedition.
There was also plenty of time for chat though.
"It was a chance to make sure everyone understands we must not
throw the league away," said Evra.
"We talked a lot about tactics and what we needed to achieve
until the end of the season. It is a chance to write the story.
"A lot of people talk about Manchester United's attack but if
you look back at our last three titles, the real strength is the
defence.
"The performance in Barcelona two years ago was the best
performance of the entire team. When we are a unit like that, it is
difficult to beat Manchester United.
"People say we are not going to win the title and we have
dropped too many points. But I am proud and happy where we are.
"I fear no-one. I only fear Manchester United."