No Double for Reds – What Next?

One thing which sets gifted Manchester United left back Patrice Evra apart from other top stars, over and above his incredible talent, is quite simple: Pure class. Despite what he called the “massive disappointment” of seeing United fall at the quarter-final stage in the FA Cup, the most popular Frenchman at Old Trafford since Cantona still found it in himself to congratulate Chelsea goal scorer Demba Ba on his sublime winning strike.

Wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, the Gallic star referred to the former Newcastle marksman’s “great goal.” So a classy human being then, as well as a class footballer. Imagine certain other Premier League ‘legends’ being as magnanimous!
Another notable thing about Patrice Evra is that unlike most full backs, he’s not averse to popping up with the odd crucial goal or two. His header against Swansea last December is a good case in point. Not only is he a great defender, he’s also a goal-getter too – it’s almost unfair!

Keep this in mind when you next have a first or last scorer bet, this could be a clever football betting strategy. Because Patrice is a left back, you will get odds far handsomer and lucrative than if you choose Wayne Rooney or Robin Van Persie, for example. Look online at any good gaming site for more information.

So what now for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men? Well certainly not doom and gloom, despite not now being able to win the FA Cup they last won in 2004. Well, how about the most significant prize of all – the Premier League? The crown, so cruelly snatched from United’s grasp during a few painful seconds at Eastlands last year, is a near certainty to return to Old Trafford, a place we believe is its spiritual home.

The performances of Evra – our Left Back Pat – have been a key contributory factor in Fergie’s side-stepping up and seeing off the challenge of the noisy neighbors, in what looks like being spectacular style. This, if not a walkover, is certainly a far comfier ride for the Reds. Evra has been imperious and majestic, helping drive United on to win after win, and leaving the pretenders to the throne flailing in their wake. Chelsea never really got started, City flattered to deceive, and as for the other contenders, well, there weren’t any, to be honest.

Like a swan, the hard work under the surface was disguised as a majestic cruise, and it is the likes of the wearer of the number three shirt who have put in the hard work to help ensure that the heartbreak of 2012 recedes into distant memory.

Yes, the Champions League has eluded us this season, as has the Carling Cup, with both unseasonably early exits causing disappointment. But it is the bread and butter of the Premier League on which careers, reputations, and dreams are made, and Patrice and his team-mates are soon set to be holding that most coveted of domestic trophies.

Will Sir Alex tinker with the team on the back of the FA Cup exit, and the loss of a chance to meet City in the semi? Knowing the maestro as we do, it seems unlikely, at least until the Premier League title is all sewn up, and the trophy moves a few short but significant miles across Manchester. Then perhaps it will be time to blood some youngsters, and we will be able to enjoy the blooming of the ever-developing crop of Fergie fledglings.

Another thing to remember, if you like to wager on football, is that the bookies get their prices out early for the new season. It is worthwhile getting a season bet on as early as possible, because if the Reds start well then the odds will rapidly contract.

One thing is for sure, with stars like Patrice Evra in the side, United will come back stronger than ever next season, to renew their assaults for glory on four fronts, the League, the two domestic cups, and the Champions League. If we’re counting the Charity Shield, and why not, a title-winning United will get their chance to claim the first silverware of the 2013-14 season as early as August, before the first luster has worn off the heroically reclaimed Premier League crown.