Moyes: I wanted cover for Evra, not to replace him

David Moyes revealed that the reason why we left the Marouane Fellaini deal until the last minute to wrap up was because we were trying until the last minute to sign Leighton Baines. When it became clear that Everton weren’t going to sell him, United then agreed a deal to sign Fabio Coentrao, only for Real Madrid to back out after their transfer target deal fell through.

When asked whether Moyes didn’t have confidence in Patrice Evra, our vice-captain, at left-back, he insisted that Baines and Coentrao had been lined up as cover for Evra.

“Far from it,” said the Scot. “I just felt we needed to make sure we had good cover for Patrice. He has played brilliantly well but I hope we are going to have a season that is going to include 60 or 70 games. Patrice played a big majority of the games last season but I just want to make sure if he broke down I had the right people around to help me.”

Moyes says he hasn’t spoken with Evra to clarify his position in the club since deadline day, although is sure the Frenchman is aware of the pressure to keep your place in the starting line-up at United.

“I have not because he is such a good professional,” Moyes added. “He knew exactly what we were doing. If you play for Manchester United there is always someone out there getting ready to take your jersey. It is up to you to fight and make sure you keep it.”