Patrice Evra has claimed that Manchester United are fully deserving of the criticism they have recieved after a disastrous season at Old Trafford.
The reigning Premier League champions were out of this season’s race in March this year, in a season labelled ‘the worst title defence ever’. They struggled to adapt after a change in management brought in ex-Everton boss David Moyes to replace legend Sir Alex Ferguson, before he was sacked at the end of April.
Ryan Giggs took temporary charge at Old Trafford, but despite a decent start to his managerial career against Norwich, a 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland on Saturday showed United were lacking class. The result left United 7th in the table and in serious danger of playing without any European football next season.
“This year has been a disaster,” the United left-back said. “This year we have been really poor. We deserve all the criticism. We have not played well enough. We have lost some stupid games.
“When we are on the pitch we try to win every game but it’s been so painful this season, it’s been a nightmare.”
“When I look at the table I just feel a big frustration. This year is a season I want to forget really quickly.”
“I think there has been a lack of confidence,” the 32-year-old said. “Sir Alex Ferguson was the heart of Manchester United. He is a legend. You cannot replace him so quickly.
“We knew it would be difficult but not this difficult. We can do much better than we have done – maybe not winthe league but at least qualify for the Champions League with the players we have.
“Every player has to take responsibility. You always feel responsible even when David Moyes was in charge. I will not point the finger at anyone else.
“This year everyone failed.”
Despite his damning verdict on their performance this season, Evra remains confident that they will be back challenging next season.
“I really think (this year) is an accident,” said Evra. “I know Manchester United will never die. And also Manchester will come back next year.”
“When we lost the league on goal difference to Manchester City (in 2012) I said Manchester United will win the league by 13 points, and we nearly did. In the end we won it by 11 points.”
“That is my mentality – never give up.”
Whether Evra, out is out of contract this summer, gives up his place in the United squad will be decided following Sunday’s final game of the season at Southampton.
“I will decide in two weeks about what I am going to do,” he added. “There have been a lot of rumours, but I have not decided anything yet.”
“My agent will have a meeting with Manchester and we will see.”
By Ben Kelly
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