Ferguson gives Evra a break

Published on Thursday 16 February 2012 03:41

Patrice Evra has been left out of Manchester United’s Europa League trip to Amsterdam as a result of his “emotional week”.

Evra was missing from the squad that flew into the Dutch capital yesterday afternoon, just four days after he was at the centre of the handshake row with Luis Suarez.

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he felt the France full-back had been through so much, it was better for him to remain at home. “We have rested Patrice,” said the United manager. “It has been an emotional week for him and it is the right thing to do.”

Ferguson admitted he had not spoken to Evra about the weekend events. However, he did admit to welcoming Liverpool’s shift in stance, which he hopes will allow the Merseysiders’ unique rivalry with United to advance in a more normal 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.”

Rio Ferdinand will skipper United at the Amsterdam Arena. Ryan Giggs (ankle) also misses out, as does Dimitar Berbatov, who was injured in training on Tuesday.

Nani (foot) and Phil Jones (ankle) return after missing the last four matches.

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