After superb performances at left-back for Southampton, 18-year-old Luke Shaw was signed by Manchester United in June following England’s World Cup exit. Although very young, he has Premier League experience with the Saints and has already played at a World Cup, so everyone knows what he can do. Does this spell the end for Patrice Evra at Manchester United?
Patrice Evra signed for United from AS Monaco in 2006 and has been almost ever-present at left-back for them. In May of 2014 Evra extended his contract until the end of the 2014/15 season. This was seen as a bit of relief for United fans after what was a horrible season, as they also lost two of the best defenders to have graced Old Trafford in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Now that Luke Shaw has signed, it does look as though he will take Evra’s place on the left side of United’s defence. This could mean Evra has signed a contract to warm the bench for nine months. Personally, I think Evra should be a mentor to young Shaw, who is still at a very tender age. The France international can help him to progress at such a big club, as he himself had to eight years ago. At the age of 33, it is unlikely that Evra would have been able to sign for a club as huge as the Red Devils, so maybe the defender was aware that the signing of Luke Shaw was imminent. Manchester United had been after him for some time, so it is possible that Evra knew he would not make the starting lineup anymore and he wanted the opportunity to be a mentor to the youngster.
It could even be the case that Shaw will have to impress before being given his chance and maybe it is not the end of Evra at left-back, but after signing for such a hefty fee it is unlikely that United’s new signing will be warming the bench too often.