PATRICE EVRA has admitted he finds it difficult to cover Manchester United games as a pundit.
Evra, 43, starred for the Red Devils between 2006 and 2014, making 379 appearances for the club and winning numerous titles including five Premier Leagues, the Champions League and three League Cups.
However, United have been on a continuously downward spiral since the Frenchman’s departure.
Since calling time on his playing career in 2018, Evra has moved into punditry and has been a frequent sight on Sky Sports.
Many of his appearances on the broadcaster come when United are in action.
But Evra has now revealed he finds it difficult to remain calm after admitting his former club’s demise “hurts” him, and even begged not to work on United games with them.
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Appearing on Sky following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, he said: “Of course, it’s hard, it hurts, that’s why you see some commentators are really harsh because people are frustrated.
“You love your club so much and you get disappointed by some performances. Of course.
“That’s why, when I was working for Sky, I was begging not to commentate on any Manchester United games.
“When he had that 6-1 loss against Tottenham and you can see my face on TV, I couldn’t hide my feelings.
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“It doesn’t matter if you work for Sky and you have to be neutral – when your club is not performing well.”
Evra previously had an emotive reaction when United were beaten 6-1 by Spurs back in 2020.
Asked by presenter Dave Jones whether he wanted to be elsewhere at the time, he said: “You know, Alexis Sanchez, when he signed for United, at his first training session, he asked his agent to rip up his contract.
“That’s what I’m going to ask to Sky – I really would like to end my contract with Sky, because it’s my second game, I’m a positive person and I never want to talk about United because when you tell the truth it can hurt.
“I’m passionate and I love my club… I know you have to have some filter when you talk on TV, but it’s a shambles.
“I feel what all the United fans feel. That’s why I would prefer to commentate on different games other than United if I (am to) continue working for Sky.”
That famous rant even ended up in Evra suggesting players should get a “slap” following display.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reportedly has just two games to save his job, with matches against Porto and Aston Villa potentially pivotal to the Dutchman’s future after a poor start to the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
