Evra signs new Manchester United contract

AFP, Saturday 24 May 2014

Patrice Evra
France's Patrice Evra controls the ball during the 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Finland at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, October 15, 2013 (Photo: Reuters)

France left back Patrice Evra has signed a contract to stay at Manchester United for another year, extending his Old Trafford career to a 10th season, the Premier League club said on Friday.

There had been media speculation he would leave but with two experienced defenders, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, already departing, United were "delighted" to announce on their website that Evra will remain at the club.

The Frenchman, who turned 33 last week, joined United from AS Monaco in 2006 and has made 379 appearances for the club, winning 10 major honours.

He has been first-choice left back since and stood in for Vidic as captain on numerous occasions.

Dutchman Alex Buttner moved to Old Trafford in 2012 as Evra's deputy and British media reports say United have lodged a £27 million bid to sign 18-year-old Southampton defender Luke Shaw to fill the position in the long-term.

United are expected to undertake a major overhaul of their squad before next season under the guidance of new manager Louis van Gaal after finishing seventh in the Premier League table a year after winning their 20th English league title.

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