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29 March 2024

Ferguson backs Evra to shine at Anfield

Manchester City's English defender Micah Richards (L) vies with Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra (R) during the FA Cup third round football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on January 8, 2012. (AFP)

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By AFP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have no problems in naming race-row defender Patrice Evra in the explosive FA Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

French defender Evra was at the centre of the race storm which saw Liverpool striker Luis Suarez hit with an eight-match ban after the two bitter rivals clashed in the Premier League in October.

But Ferguson insists that Evra, who he described as "popular with a good personality" will shrug off the vitriol that is certain to pour from the Anfield terraces in the January 28 fourth round clash.

"I haven't decided on that (whether Evra will play) but it wouldn't be a problem for me," said Ferguson, who has already installed Evra as captain in the absence of centre-back Nemanja Vidic and fitness and age concerns over Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand.

"Rio would have been the captain if he didn't have that inconsistency because of a series of injuries," said Ferguson.

"Someone who will be playing all the time should be at the forefront of your mind to be your captain and that was the case with Patrice.

"He is not as voluble as Rio but he certainly influences a lot of things and his own performance are very good.

"The players look up to him. He's very popular with a good personality. He's very friendly, has humour and he is a determined lad."