shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > The fans are tired The fans are angry The fans are upset Patrice Evra

“The fans are tired. The fans are angry. The fans are upset": Patrice Evra

Updated on: 20 January,2024 07:20 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Tarkesh Jha | sports@mid-day.com

The club is seventh in the league after 21 games, losing nine matches in the English top-tier

“The fans are tired. The fans are angry. The fans are upset

Patrice Evra

Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra asserted on Friday that fans are angry with the club for their inconsistent performances this season. In Mumbai for a promotional visit, Evra regretted that certain underperforming players have outlasted their managers in the team. 


Rollercoaster of emotions
He said that watching the side play is a rollercoaster of emotions and acknowledged that manager Erik Ten Hag is to blame for his trusted personnel from AFC Ajax failing to live up to the standards of the Red Devils.


Also Read: Ethiopian champions Lemi, Haymanot eye repeat feat


“The fans are tired. The fans are angry. The fans are upset. I have to accept that. When people ask me, ‘Patrice, why don’t you come back to the club?’ I have to say sorry for what we are doing, but the story never ends. We should have faith in the club, and I know we keep saying the same things, if United fans are angry right now, so am I, because it’s like a rollercoaster. You never know what’s going to happen when we watch the team,” Evra said.

The club is seventh in the league after 21 games, losing nine matches in the English top-tier. They crashed out in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and Ten Hag has been under scanner for falling out with star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and being unable to back it up with expected on-field results.

“A manager needs to have good communication. When I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson, he used to say, ‘Patrice, forget the tactics. You need to be able to talk to people the way you can bring the best out of them.’ We sacked around five managers, but the players have still been at the club. Maybe, we need a massive clear out of the squad. To be a successful manager at Manchester United, you need to be very strong mentally,” Evra mentioned.

Ten Hag in Jose’s steps

The Frenchman drew parallels with Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho, who had won two trophies in his maiden season with the club in 2016-17. He followed it up with the team winning 81 points and finishing second in the table the following season. Regardless, Mourinho was relieved from his duties in December 2018 after a disappointing third year and Evra hence indicated that a similar fate awaits Ten Hag.

“People loved Ten Hag last year after a positive season, but the fans have been impatient this year, and I understand that because he brought players he managed at AFC Ajax, but this is the Premier League and that’s why fans won’t credit him this season. Even Jose Mourinho won the Europa League, finished second in the table, but he got sacked, so nobody’s safe, but it’s always the same players,” he signed off.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK