Manchester United defender Patrice Evra: Team spirit the reason behind Premier League title victory

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Manchester United defender Patrice Evra believes the club’s Premier League title triumph must be attributed to collective effort over individual contributions, and has hailed manager Sir Alex Ferguson for instilling a winning mentality among his players.

A 1-1 draw away at Blackburn on Saturday was enough for United to wrap up a record 19th league title which sees them overtake bitter rivals Liverpool as the most successful club in English football history, as well as their 12th Premier League crown in 19 seasons.

The current United side has been criticized in some quarters for lacking a little of the star quality of Ferguson’s previous teams – a view reflected in the fact that neither the Football Writers Association (FWA) or Professional Footballers Association (PFA) voted for a Red Devils player as their player of the year this season.

Evra agrees with this assessment, but believes the fact the Old Trafford giants have been able to be successful in spite of a lack of outstanding individuals is a tribute to the collective efforts of the team.

Speaking after the Blackburn match, Evra told reporters: “Today it was very important to win otherwise someone would have got the hairdryer! the manager has given that winning mentality to everyone, that hunger to win. That’s Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It’s a more collective effort and that’s even more satisfying. When Cristiano Ronaldo was here he did a great job but the team were playing for him and maybe people forget that. But since Carlito (Tevez) and Ronny have gone, United look more like a team.
 
“If you were asked to pick one player this season, I don’t think anyone stands out. That’s why the credit for winning the title this season goes to the Man United spirit.”

Although Evra is delighted with his team’s achievements this year, he admits that losing the Champions League final to Spanish giants Barcelona at Wembley at the end of May would leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

“Of course, losing to Barcelona would spoil it,’ said the Frenchman. “When we lost the final against them two years ago, we won the League and the Carling Cup and the World Club Championship but I was devastated.

“I was frustrated all the time on my holiday. All I could think about was that final. I don’t want to repeat that. Now I’m already thinking of next season because the title should always go to United.”