Dec 24 2008
Evra- We drive to another title
Patrice Evra has told his Manchester United team-mates to focus on a hat-trick of Premier League titles.
The champagne corks had barely stopped popping on United’s Club World Cup victory at the weekend before France defender Evra turned his thoughts back to domestic action in England.
Not only did United enjoy a successful trip to Japan to end the year as world champions, as well as reigning Premier League and Champions League holders, but they received a further boost as Chelsea and Liverpool wasted their chance to open up a big lead over Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
United could have returned from Asia with a substantial deficit to make up on the top two, but Liverpool’s draw at Arsenal and Chelsea’s goalless scrap at Everton kept the Old Trafford outfit within seven points of first place, with two games in hand.
Now Evra has already forgotten about United’s successful 2008 and is focusing on another trophy-filled 2009 with ronaldo and rooney in great form.
“My target is to win three titles in a row,” he said. “To win it again would be the best feeling. We have the potential to do it but we must keep working hard.”
Evra will be missing during United’s Christmas fixtures as he serves the four-match suspension handed out by the Football Association for his part in the battle of Stamford Bridge - the post-match row which erupted between United players and Chelsea groundstaff last season.
The former Monaco star is likely to make his first appearance after the ban against Chelsea, at Old Trafford.
“I would like to thank the FA for my little holiday, it means I can spend more time with my family over Christmas,” he joked.
“I have thought about the ban every day. Of course, I am happy we have won the trophy but I am still very angry because I don’t accept I did what they say.
“When you miss games through injury, you can understand it but to miss four games because of this hurts.
“It’s not the best Christmas present for me, that’s for sure.