Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has praised two players who embody the club’s “DNA” and revealed the message that he shared with one Red Devils talent.
Patrice Evra had an illustrious playing spell at Old Trafford after Manchester United signed him from Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2006.
The 43-year-old Frenchman weathered a tough start to life in England and became a linchpin defensive figure under legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his spell at Old Trafford, Evra lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and three League Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The United legend, who made 379 appearances for the Premier League club, played briefly under David Moyes after Ferguson announced his retirement in 2013.
Evra would leave Old Trafford in 2014 and the former United defender went on to play for Juventus, Marseille and West Ham before retiring from football in 2018.
Evra’s message to Man Utd star
Speaking on Sky Sports, Patrice Evra opened up about his interaction with Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo had a breakout season at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and has since become a linchpin midfield figure for the Premier League club.
The 19-year-old Stockport-born player’s success at United led to his England call-up in 2024, with Mainoo playing a key role in the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 campaign.
Evra spoke highly of Mainoo and revealed that he told the United talent to “keep doing” what he is doing after he made a name for himself at Old Trafford.
“I’m proud of them. I had a chat with Kobbie and said, ‘Wow, keep doing what you’re doing,’” he said.
“I think this is United. Back in the day, we were talking about Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, [Ryan] Giggs, [Paul] Scholes, and now to see we’ve still got that, even if the first-team results are not great.”
Evra talks up two Man Utd talents
Along with his praise for Kobbie Mainoo, Patrice Evra also welcomed the development of United star Alejandro Garnacho at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho, much like Mainoo, came through the United youth academy and has established himself in the first-team squad under Erik ten Hag.
The 20-year-old Spain-born winger has shown moments of individual brilliance at United, including his show-stealing bicycle kick against Everton last season.
Evra insisted that players like Mainoo and Garnacho showcase the “United DNA” and it is exactly what he wants to see from the Premier League club.
“But I think this is the positive side, seeing those young [players] coming and playing with no fear,” he continued.
“I feel like when I see [Alejandro] Garnacho and Mainoo having the United DNA and that’s what we want to see.”
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