Patrice Evra

[Socrates 7962]

[Socrates 7962]

Juve missed out on Evra

May 27, 2014

Juventus reportedly missed out on the chance to sign Patrice Evra, apparently due to a couple of reasons.

The French full-back ended the season amid increasing reports that he would walk away from Manchester United.

With his contract due to expire at the end of June, both Inter and Juventus were linked with interest in the 33-year-old, until the weekend saw him commit to a new one-year extension at Old Trafford.

Sky Sport Italias Gianluca Di Marzio has explained that Juventus did miss out on signing the international, for two reasons.

Specifically, early uncertainty this month over Antonio Contes future at the club was seen as having caused Evra to hesitate, whilst the Old Lady is seen as having failed to demonstrate to the player that they were interested enough in securing his services.

It was a duel situation that was apparently enough for Evra to stick with United and exercise a one-year renewal clause in his existing contract.

[Socrates 7962]

Juve have Evra agreement, but…

Jul 4, 2014

Juventus reportedly have personal terms agreed with Patrice Evra, whilst his agent arrives in Brazil to work out a possible move from Manchester United.

Juve were linked with the France international heading into the summer, as he approached the final few months of his contract at Old Trafford.

Whilst signing a one-year renewal in late May looked to have ended such speculation, reports of late have placed Evra’s future as back under contention.

It is seen that the Bianconeri have reignited their pursuit of the 33-year-old followed the Premier League side’s purchase of Luke Shaw.

Reports are that Juve have already reached provisional agreement with the player on personal terms, that he is open to the move and that his agent has now arrived in Rio to meet with him to work out the next steps.

However, it is understood that a move is no formality, as Evra first wants to clarify his potential role under new manager Louis van Gaal and that his attachment to Manchester United remains ‘strong’.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport also suggest the two clubs have a way to go in negotiations, with Juve apparently prepared to pay no more than €2m and United after no less than €4m.

[Socrates 7962]

Juve to seal Evra today?

Jul 8, 2014

Juventus are speculated as pushing to reach an agreement with Manchester United today for Patrice Evra.

Despite the 33-year-old signing a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford at the end of last season, United’s decision to bring in Luke Shaw has re-opened the doors for Evra.

It is understood that recent weeks have seen Juventus come back into the picture and even reach agreement with the France international on an initial two-year contract worth in the region of €3.5m per season.

A deal is yet to be struck between the Bianconeri and Red Devils and this is where both the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and Tuttosport focus today’s reports.

The pink paper indicate that Juve are pushing to seek resolution on the possible deal today, but are unwilling to pay any more than €1.5m.

Meanwhile, the Turin daily believe that today will see the player’s entourage due in London and possibly in line for imminent talks with United.

It is understood that Evra has instructed his agent to accept Juventus’ offer out of the desire to maintain first-team football, including at Champions League level.

[Socrates 7962]

Evra weighing up Juventus contract offer

The signing of Luke Shaw has placed the Frenchman's status as Manchester United's first-choice
left-back under threat and he is now considering an offer from the Serie A champions.

Jul 9, 2014

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra is currently weighing up an offer from Serie A champions Juventus, Goal can confirm.

Juventus began negotiations with Evra in May and offered the France international a two-year deal, with talks understood to have been positive despite the contract on offer less than his €113-a-week salary.

However, the 33-year-old appeared to have ended speculation over his future by subsequently signing a one-year extension to remain at Old Trafford.

The signing of England international Luke Shaw, whom United have made the most expensive teenager in world football with a €200,000-a-week salary, though, has placed Evra’s position as Louis van Gaal’s first-choice left-back under severe threat.

Juventus have since reignited their interest in the player who is now considering whether to end his eight-year association with the Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Juventus have seen an approach for Manchester City's centre-back Matija Nastasic rebuffed by the Premier League champions.

The 21-year-old Serbia international struggled with form and fitness during his second season at the club and lost his place to the more experienced Martin Demichelis.

Manuel Pellegrini is determined to increase his central defensive options this summer and has made the signing of Roma's Medhi Benatia his priority after the deal to sign Porto's Eliaquim Mangala ran into complications.

Despite his continued interest in Morocco international Benatia, Pellegrini is unwilling to sanction the departure of Nastasic who joined the club from Fiorentina two years ago.

[Socrates 7962]

Evra to join Juventus after declining
Manchester United stay

The France international left-back has agreed a two-year deal with the Serie A champions
and has decided against remaining at Old Trafford under new boss Louis van Gaal.

Jul 10, 2014

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra is set to complete a €3.5 million move to Juventus after agreeing a two-year deal with the club, Goal understands.

The France international signed a new one-year extension with United in May with the understanding he would compete for the position with €38 million-arrival Luke Shaw.

Juve's renewed interest, however, which emerged earlier this week, convinced him to reluctantly leave Old Trafford.

The Italian giants will match his €125,000-a-week-plus wages as a combination of Champions League football, as well as family reasons, have seen him decline the opportunity to remain in Manchester under new boss Louis van Gaal.

Dutchman Van Gaal, who is set to begin his duties as the Premier League club's new manager in the coming days, was reluctant to lose a player of Evra's experience from his defence and even matched Juve's two-year contract offer.

But Evra, who joined United back in January 2006 from Ligue 1 club Monaco, is keen to embark on a new adventure in Serie A, where he will follow former United skipper Nemanja Vidic, who has signed for Inter on a free transfer.

Juventus have also been tracking Manchester City centre-back Matija Nastasic although were rebuffed by the Premier League champions after making an enquiry in recent days.

However, Juventus have acquired Juan Iturbe for a fee of €27m and are also set to announce the signing of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

[Socrates 7962]

Juve make Evra approach

Jul 10, 2014

It is widely reported in English media that Juventus have made an official approach to Manchester United for Patrice Evra.

It has been said in recent days that the French international defender has already agreed personal terms with the Old Lady, despite having only recently signed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.

All that seems to remain before a deal can be completed is for the two clubs to agree on a fee for the 33-year-old.

According to reports this afternoon, this has moved a step closer to becoming a reality after Juve officials made contact with their Red Devils counterparts. A formal bid is said to be forthcoming.

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus close on Evra

Jul 10, 2014

It’s reported Juventus are prepared to offer €2.5m for Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Their interest in the Frenchman is well known, but The Independent newspaper claims to know the figures of the proposal.

The price-tag would be €2.5m (£2m) plus a contract worth €3.5m per season (£3m).

Italian media see considerably smaller sums circulating, particularly for the wages.

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport gives the transfer fee at closer to €2m (£1.6m).

[Socrates 7962]

Evra wants Juventus move

Jul 10, 2014

It is reported that Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has asked to leave the club in order to join Juventus.

The French international only recently signed a one-year extension to his contract at Old Trafford. However, since his return from this summer’s World Cup he has been heavily linked with a move to Turin.

According to reports yesterday, the Old Lady made an official approach to the Red Devils to enquire as to the player’s availability.

Now, BBC Sport say the 33-year-old has himself contacted United officials to request a move away. He has, however, stopped short of submitting a formal transfer request.

[Socrates 7962]

Man Utd let Evra leave

Jul 10, 2014

Tuttosport claim Manchester United have given Patrice Evra the all-clear to join Juventus.

The defender reportedly put in an unofficial transfer request this week and it seems United’s final attempts to change his mind have failed.

According to Tuttosport, Evra will arrive over the next few days to complete a medical and sign a two-year contract worth €3.5m per season.

The left-back has been at Old Trafford for eight years, but wants the switch for personal reasons.

It will be a return to Italy for Evra, as the Frenchman started his career at Marsala in 1998-99 and Monza in 1999-00.

Juventus are also said to be on the verge of securing striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for €18m plus add-ons.

[Socrates 7962]

Evra has signed for Juve?

Jul 13, 2014

Italian sources claim Patrice Evra already put pen to paper for Juventus and will salute Manchester United.

The French full-back is widely expected to make the move to Turin for around €2m (£1.6m) with a two-year contract worth €3.5m (£2.8m) per season.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Evra met with Juve lawyers on Saturday night in Los Angeles and signed the deal.

Before making it official, he wishes to write an open letter to Manchester United fans, explaining his reasons for this exit after eight years at Old Trafford.

As Evra is fresh from France’s World Cup campaign, he won’t join up with his new Bianconeri teammates until the end of the month.

[Socrates 7962]

Van Gaal to let duo leave

Jul 17, 2014

It is reported that new Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is prepared to allow Patrice Evra and Nani to leave the club.

The duo have been targeted by Juventus and Milan respectively in recent times and it appears the Dutchman, who staged his first Press conference as Red Devils manager today, would not stand in the way of either player joining the Bianconeri or Rossoneri.

According to English newspaper Daily Mail, Evra and Nani are merely two of a long list of players who Van Gaal has deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

[Socrates 7962]

New Juventus Coach Reaches Out To Man United
Defender Over Potential Move

Jul 17, 2014

New Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly contacted Manchester United defender Patrice Evra over a possible move to the Bianconeri this summer.

Allegri was only appointed Juve coach on Tuesday after Antonio Conte’s shock departure and it appears that the new tactician is keen to land the 33-year-old from the English Premier League giants.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Allegri called Evra on Wednesday night and told the veteran left-back that it would still be worthwhile for him to join the Bianconeri.

The Frenchman was expected to join Juventus until Conte left the Turin club and the Frenchman wants clarity on Juve’s coaching scenario before going ahead with a move.

Evra was in France’s World Cup squad during the 2014 World Cup and played in four matches for Les Bleus as Didier Deschamps’ team reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual World Cup winners Germany.

The veteran left-back has played in Italy in the past for Marsala as well as Monza.

[Socrates 7962]

Juve await Evra answer

Jul 18, 2014

Max Allegri has apparently looked to reassure Patrice Evra over joining Juventus, and the club now await his final decision.

The Old Lady were on track to sign the France international from Manchester United this week and were even seen as having agreed a two-year contract paying €3.5m a season with the player.

However, Antonio Conte’s surprise exit apparently saw Evra request some time to think over the deal, amid doubts over the club’s new direction.

Tuttosport lead assertions that new Coach Allegri has looked to intervene and has spoken to Evra on the phone to reassure him of the club’s interest in him.

This move was also reportedly taken with Alvaro Morata and is seen as having unlocked that particular deal.

With Evra, it is believed that completion of the deal or not remains in the 33-year-old’s hands and that Juve await his final decision.

[Socrates 7962]

Evra to Juve tomorrow

Jul 18, 2014

It’s reported Patrice Evra has finally agreed to join Juventus from Manchester United.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the player’s contract will be deposited with the Lega Serie A on Saturday.

There had been concerns Evra would pull out of the move after the sudden departure of Coach Antonio Conte.

However, the French international defender seems convinced the project will remain intact even with Massimiliano Allegri at the helm.

Juve are expected to pay €2m in order to buy Evra from Manchester United.

Alvaro Morata is also due to sign from Real Madrid tomorrow for €18m.

[Socrates 7962]

Patrice Evra to finalise Juventus move tomorrow?

Jul 20, 2014

Juventus will reportedly announce the signing of Patrice Evra tomorrow.

The Manchester United full-back has long been linked with a switch to the Italian champions, with some speculation having claimed that a deal has been agreed for a number of days.

However, the recent resignation of Juve head coach Antonio Conte is believed to have stalled the switch.

Evra has since held discussions with new boss Massimiliano Allegri, though, and the French defender is still keen to make the move, according to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The report added that confirmation could be made as soon as the Italian Stock Exchange opens on Monday morning.

[Socrates 7962]

Evra-Juve confirmation today?

Jul 21, 2014

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport says that today may be the day that Patrice Evra’s move from Manchester United to Juventus is announced.

Whilst Antonio Conte’s exit from the club last week appeared to place his proposed transfer to the Old Lady in doubt, expectation in recent days has been that he has since accepted the move.

The move, which is believed to be agreed with a two-year contract in place for the 33-year-old, was anticipated as set to be announced over the weekend.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport speculate that the transfer’s announcement was only not forthcoming so as to tie in with the English club’s New York stock exchange rules.

The pink paper reiterate though that the deal is all signed off with both the player and United and that an announcement should now come during Monday.

[Socrates 7962]

Official: Evra completes Juventus move

The France international has signed a two-year deal with the Serie A champions,
putting an end to a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford.

Jul 21, 2014

Juventus have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Manchester United in a £1.5 million deal.

The 33-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract with United in May, has committed to a two-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Evra's departure leaves £30 million signing Luke Shaw as the only specialist left-back in United's first-team squad, after Alexander Buttner moved to Dynamo Moscow.

On the announcement of the move, Evra told United's official website: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United.

"It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart."

Juventus have revealed they will pay an initial fee of £1.2m in two installments, followed by an additional £300,000 should they finish in the Champions League qualification places next season.

Evra is the fourth decorated United veteran to leave the squad this summer, after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand signed for Inter and QPR respectively and Ryan Giggs announced his retirement from the game.

The Frenchman made 379 appearances in a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals.

[Socrates 7962]

'Manchester United will always remain in my heart' - Evra

The 33-year-old is convinced that the club will go on to win silverware in the near future
and insists the decision to leave Louis van Gaal's side was the hardest of his career.

Jul 21, 2014

Patrice Evra has expressed his thanks to Manchester United supporters following his decision to leave the club for Serie A champions Juventus.

The 33-year-old completed his €1.9 million switch to the Italian giants on Monday and is adamant that United will get back to winning trophies after a difficult 2013-14 campaign.

He wrote, in a statement posted on the club's official website: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.

"Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable. Through the good times and the bad times we have all stuck together and remained loyal. I have always said you don’t just join Manchester United, you join the family and long may that tradition continue.

"This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. Over the past nine years I have met and worked with some incredible people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I would like to thank everyone at the club - teammates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.

"An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.

"My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club.

"My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons."

[Socrates 7962]

Official: Juve sign Evra

Jul 21, 2014

Juventus have confirmed that Patrice Evra has officially joined from Manchester United on a two-year deal.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford after new boss Louis van Gaal approved the signing of Luke Shaw from Southampton.

And in the last few moments the Bianconeri have revealed that the full-back has put pen-to-paper on a contract until 2016.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men will pay €1.2m in two installments for Evra, with a further €0.3m to be paid should the Old Lady qualify for next season's Champions League.

[Socrates 7962]

'Joining Juve the right thing to do'

Jul 21, 2014

Patrice Evra has claimed that his move from Manchester United to Juventus was ‘the right thing to do’.

The France international has left Old Trafford after eight seasons to sign a two-year contract with the Bianconeri.

And the veteran left-back has admitted he ‘can’t wait’ to win trophies in Turin.

”I believe my transfer to Juventus in this stage of my career is the right thing to do so I can continue challenging myself and strive to improve,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juventus is a great club, and I can’t wait to be part of the team and to contribute to the successes that have always been part of their history.”

[Socrates 7962]

Evra raring to go at Juventus

The Frenchman is delighted to have completed his transfer
to Turin and is certain he has made the right decision.

Jul 21, 2014

Patrice Evra is raring to go following his transfer to Juventus from Manchester United on Monday.

The 33-year-old signed for the Bianconeri on a two-year contract following eight years at Old Trafford, and is confident of success with the Italian champions.

"My transfer to Juventus at this stage of my career is the right thing to do so I can continue challenging myself and strive to improve,” he told Sky Sport 24.

"Juventus are a great club, and I can’t wait to be part of the team and to contribute to the successes that have always been part of their history."

Evra began his career in Italy with Marsala and then Monza, and is Juve's second signing in a number of days following the arrival of Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata.

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus Official – Patrice Evra Completes
His Move From Manchester United

French left back Patrice Evra has completed his transfer
from Manchester United to Serie A champions Juventus.

Jul 21, 2014

Patrice Evra’s future at Old Trafford has been under speculation all throughout the summer, especially after the arrival of Luke Shaw and Juventus’ interest in signing him. The Italian club has now officially announced the arrival of Evra on two-year contract.

The transfer fee involved in this move is 1.2 million pounds, paid over two instalments. Initial reports suggested that Evra could be used in a player plus cash deal in Manchester United’s bid to sign Arturo Vidal, but the Vidal transfer rumours seemed to have died down recently, while Evra has already been announced as a Juventus player.

“Juventus Football Club S.p.A announces that the agreement with Manchester United Football Club Limited for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Patrice Latyr Evra has been finalised for a consideration of 1.2 million pounds payable in two instalments: 0.6 million at the international transfer release and 0.6 million within 1 July 2015.
“The purchase value may increase by a further maximum of 0.3 million pounds in case Juventus qualifies to UEFA Champions League 2015/16.
“Juventus and the player have signed a 2-year contract of employment.” – Read a statement published by Juventus.

The French international joined Manchester United in 2006 and has made 379 appearances for the Red Devils. He became a lynchpin in the side under Sir Alex Ferguson and delivered consistent performances for most part of his career.

Evra won five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League during his stint. His performances came under a bit of criticism last season and he was expected leave this summer following the arrival of Luke Shaw at Old Trafford. The Frenchman left an emotional message for his fans at Old Trafford before his departure, and insisted that this club will always remain close to his heart.
“After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.
“This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. Over the past nine years I have met and worked with some incredible people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I would like to thank everyone at the club – teammates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.

“An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.

“My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club. My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons.” – Evra said.

[Socrates 7962]

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Juventus sign left back
Patrice Evra from Manchester United

Jul 21, 2014

Saturday brought us the word that Juventus were adding to their Spanish contingent with the addition of Álvaro Morata. Now, Juventus have added to their French Connection, giving Paul Pogba somebody to speak his native tongue with for the next couple of years (Not that our boy Paul has trouble making friends or getting along with people — or animals — at this point in his young life, but I digress.)

Juventus announced on Monday they have made the long-anticipated deal for Manchester United and France fullback Patrice Evra official. The 33-year-old French international with 62 caps to his name has agreed to a two-year contract with the three-time defending Italian champions, adding depth to a left back position that hasn't had much of any the past number of years.

From juventus.com:

Juventus Football Club can today announce that Patrice Evra has signed a two-year contract with the club after a fee of £1.2 million, to be paid in two separate installments, was agreed with Manchester United.

A further payment of £0.3 million will be made to Manchester United in the event of Juventus qualifying for the 2015/16 Champions League.

There's no word from the official press release as to how much the two-year contract Evra signed is worth, but rumors and/or reports surrounding the deal had Evra slated to make anywhere between €3 million or €4 million a season during his time at Juventus. Not bad for one of the final paychecks a guy will make in his career, huh?

This is what Evra had to say about his move to Turin:

"I believe my transfer to Juventus in this stage of my career is the right thing to do so I can continue challenging myself and strive to improve. Juventus is a great club, and I can't wait to be part of the team and to contribute to the successes that have always been part of their history."
(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

The question now is how, exactly, Evra will fit into Max Allegri's plans. It could be largely depend on if Juventus' new manager feels that Kwadwo Asamoah is an option in defense or if the Ghanian will be returning to his more natural midfield role in what is expected to be a four-man defense under Allegri. I guess the only way we'll know for sure is when the full contingent of Juve players who were at the World Cup return to Vinovo over the course of the next 10 days.

PS - The folks over at The Busby Babe, SBNation's Manchester United blog, are pretty sad about Evra's departure. It is also mildly amusing that they are still holding on to hope that this move paves the way for Artuto Vidal to go the other way.

[Socrates 7962]

Patrice Evra to Juventus

Jul 21, 2014

Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has signed with Juventus, the Premier League club announced Monday.

Manchester United ✔ @ManUtd
Patrice Evra has left #mufc to join Juventus. Everyone at the club would like to thank him for his many years of excellent service.

Evra provided a statement on Manchester United's official website, where his full letter can be read:

After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.

Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable. Through the good times and the bad times we have all stuck together and remained loyal. I have always said you don't just join Manchester United, you join the family and long may that tradition continue. ...

... My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club.

United first-team coach Phil Neville praised the former Red Devil on Twitter:

Philip Neville ✔ @fizzer18
Great quotes from Patrice Evra about how he felt playing for man utd - a real fighter and a great leader in the dressing room!

Evra's eventual departure from Old Trafford has been an open secret for some time. His contract expired this summer, and his drop in form gave the club little reason to bring him back. Also forcing Evra out the door was the fact that the Red Devils were aggressively pursuing Luke Shaw, who the club signed last month.

Evra spent the last eight-and-a-half seasons with Manchester United, having left Monaco in January 2006. The 33-year-old became one of the veteran leaders of the club, wearing the captain's armband on occasion.
Having built such a strong relationship with the club, Evra indicated that he would've stayed at Old Trafford if given the choice, per Miguel Delaney of The Independent:

"My agent will have a meeting with [the club] and we will see. It will be easy for me. That is my point of view. I just want to wait until the end of the season to decide what to do. ...

... Ask Manchester United, not me. Everyone knows how much I love this club. It's difficult. The reason is an important reason. And you will see."

Where he was once one of the best left-backs in the world, Evra has since fallen off. He's run into the same problem that every marauding full-back before him has: As he's aged, Evra's speed has disappeared, but his mentality has remained the same.

As a result, the Frenchman struggled to get back to a defensive position after running into the attacking half.

Evra is still a talented defender with his back to goal and a man in front of him. Pablo Zabaleta is the only Premier League player who's registered more tackles in the last five years, per WhoScored.com:

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Patrice Evra: Only Pablo Zabaleta has made more tackles than Evra (447) of all defenders in the last 5 Premier League seasons #Juventus

He has a couple more years of productive football before he hits a more dramatic decline. You can understand why Juventus would jump at the chance to bring him in for the short term.

For United, this is yet another step in the much-needed transition away from Sir Alex Ferguson. The club has been aging for some time, especially at the back, without many younger replacements coming in. Although many United supporters are thankful for the years Evra spent at the club, they're likely happy to see him off.

Rob Pollard of Bleacher Report weighed in on Evra's time at United:

Rob @RobPollard
United fan or not, you'd have to look at Evra as one of *the* great foreign imports in terms of professionalism.

He is the third defender to leave Manchester United this summer, after Nemanja Vidic confirmed he is headed to Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand signed with Queens Park Rangers. Ferdinand noted that the "old guard has gone" but feels the younger defenders at Old Trafford are more than equipped to take over:

Rio Ferdinand ✔ @rioferdy5
The old guard has gone....myself, Vidic & Evra...great times together... young lads are ready, I believe they will now blossom #mufc

Between the departures of Vidic, Evra and Ferdinand and the arrival of Louis van Gaal, it's clear that a new era at Manchester United is underway.