Patrice Evra reveals desire to leave Manchester United

Manchester United have been rocked by the news that defender Patrice Evra wants to leave for Spain at the end of the season.

According to The Times, Evra’s desire to leave Old Trafford is an open secret in Old Trafford, with the French defender apparently keen to provide his family with a greater quality of life and greater financial security.

Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid and Barcelona are Evra’s favoured destinations and with the defender turning 30 next May, United may decide to cash in on Evra while they still can.

Evra’s revelations will come as a surprise to Manchester United fans, as the Frenchman has come across as one of the most committed to the cause at Old Trafford, particularly when he expressed his displeasure at Wayne Rooney’s desire to leave the club before Rooney eventually signed a new contract.

Given that Rooney’s actions resulted in him securing a vastly improved contract, there will be some suspicion over Evra’s motives, but he has apparently indicated a willingness to sign a new deal, or an extension to his current one, in order to ensure that United get maximum value for the player when he does eventually move on.

Like Rooney, Evra was allowed enter the final two years of his contract as part of a change in policy at the club designed to avoid offering pay rises any earlier than is necessary.

Evra has been one of United’s most outstanding players at left back since joining the club in January 2005 and Sir Alex Ferguson will more than likely have to dip into the transfer market to replace him if he does move on, with pretenders such as Fabio da Silva doing little to show that he has enough quality to be a long term replacement.

Evra has made 146 appearances for United and scored a single goal during his time at Old Trafford. He has also made 32 appearances for the French national team.