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Tuesday 15 January 2013

Football: Patrice Evra - We Have Got City Licked.


Patrice Evra says Manchester United are red-hot title favourites after cooling their obsession with the noisy neighbours.

The French full-back believes United were so concerned about what Manchester City were doing last season they forgot about themselves.
Now, after maintaining their seven-point lead over City with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, Evra is sure it is not a mistake United will make again.

He said: “The difference between last year and this is we’ve been more focused on Manchester United.

“I remember last year some players and a lot of people at the club were talking about who City were playing in the next game and what City were going to do in this or that game.
“We had a lot of respect for them and just didn’t focus on our job.
“We are Manchester United and it’s not normal when you’re focused on another team.
“I’ve played at United for seven years and it’s always been like this. Last year we were the team looking at another club and that is no good — this isn’t Manchester United. But this year we’re just focusing on ourselves.”
They certainly are showing the real Man-chester United right now with Sunday’s win making it nine league victories in 10 games since their last defeat, at Norwich in mid-November.
They did have to withstand a Liverpool fightback but held firm for victory. And after their early season defensive wobbles, they have now conceded only one goal in their last three Premier League games.
Alex Ferguson’s men just keep on scoring, too — 14 goals in their last four games with Robin van Persie’s strike on Sunday making it 21 for the season.
It is all proof for Evra that United are improving as the season goes on.
He said: “We are getting better. You must win the title with a strong team and defence.
“But I don’t only like to talk about the four defenders and the keeper when you concede goals.
“It’s about the team. It’s about everyone. And when we play with that spirit, this is the United spirit.
“When you first come here that is one of the first things Sir Alex tells you. You’re here to work, not for a holiday or something.
“You’re here to run everywhere, give your 100 per cent best on the pitch in every game.”
Sunday’s win means United have now beaten Liverpool home and away and won at City, Arsenal and Chelsea, too, already this season.
Evra, 31, added: “For our confidence, you couldn’t get much better.”

Neil Curtis



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