Evra targets fruitful Christmas

“It’s a crucial time,” he said. “We lost against Aston Villa and Fulham but the target is to win every game we can from now on. We always do well in this period and now, more than ever, we need victories.”

It hardly needs to be stated where United’s problems lie. Ferguson had eight senior defenders missing at Craven Cottage and was forced to deploy a back three that included rookie Ritchie De Laet. Though it does not completely explain why they were so bad against Bobby Zamora and company, it does provide a starting point.

Yet, shoved into a position he has no experience in, Evra actually thinks that Michael Carrick has done quite well, saying: “He has quality. He doesn’t have to play all season at the back but he can do it for some games.

“I try to give experience at the back and make sure we all speak to each other. It’s not easy but we have a strong squad, and you have to be able to play anywhere to win the title.”