‘Emotional’ Evra omitted for Dutch trip
Evra was missing from the Red Devils squad that flew into the Dutch capital yesterday, just four days after he was at the centre of the handshake row with Luis Suarez. “We have rested Patrice,” said Alex Ferguson. “It has been an emotional week for him and it is the right thing to do.”
It was the first time Ferguson has spoken about Saturday’s events since he labelled Suarez “a disgrace’ and claimed he should be sold.
Since then, Suarez has apologised for his actions, part of a massive Liverpool climbdown that also brought words of contrition from manager Kenny Dalglish and managing director Ian Ayre.
Ferguson welcomed Liverpool’s shift in stance, which he hopes will allow the Merseysiders’ unique rivalry with United to continue in a more traditional fashion.
“We are all delighted that we have put the matter to an end,” he said.
“The two clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, have too much great history and great rivalry. That is what we are going to concentrate on in the future. Both sets of supporters should be pleased and delighted that all we are going to talk about is who is going to win the game. Sometimes we will lose to Liverpool, sometimes we will win. But one thing you cannot take away is that both of us need each other.”
Ferguson also confirmed he is ready to offer Paul Scholes another year at the club but claimed there is “no chance” of him starring for England again.
Fabio Capello made a failed bid to lure Scholes back to the international stage prior to the last World Cup and, at the weekend, the Italian’s likely replacement Harry Redknapp claimed he would love to have him in his squad.
But Ferguson does not feel there is any way the veteran midfielder will change his mind on the matter.
“Do you really honestly believe that? I don’t think there’s any chance,” said Ferguson. “His reason for refusing last time was that it was late in the day and he felt it was fair for the players who had got them there to be involved.
“To play for England after eight years would be a big step. I think Paul will be concentrating [on United] if he decides to go on of course.”
Ferguson revealed he had, before the season, tried to reassure Scholes he could contribute as much in 25 to 30 appearances in an entire season. Scholes was unconvinced, hence his retirement, only to have second thoughts when coaching United’s reserves did not prove to be quite as fulfilling as he imagined.
“When he decided to come back I was delighted. He started training very hard in the couple of months before he came to see me because he had obviously realised he had made a mistake.”
Rio Ferdinand will skipper the team in Evra’s absence while Ryan Giggs (ankle) also misses out, as does Dimitar Berbatov, who was injured in training. Nani (foot) and Phil Jones (ankle) return after missing the last four matches.
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