Evra - We have best defence

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By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 2nd April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Evra - We have best defence

Evra in action against Mirko Vucinic

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Patrice Evra believes Manchester United have the best defence in Europe as they chase UEFA Champions League glory.

The France international helped the Old Trafford outfit secure an impressive 2-0 victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Despite losing influential centre-half Nemanja Vidic to a knee injury in the first period, the Red Devils kept the Serie A side at bay to put themselves on course for a semi-final berth against either Barcelona or Schalke.

And Evra feels it is that strength at the back and an ability to curb their natural attacking instincts on the continent which could see them lift the trophy in May's Moscow final.

Maturity

He told L'Equipe: "In Europe, I believe we have the best defence. Do we defend more in Europe than in the Premier League? Yes, but that is maturity.

"We know in the Champions League we can't play as we do in the Premier League. We can't rush to attack.

"I don't just want to play in a Champions League final, I want to win it - I said that when I signed for Manchester United.

"But it is too early to talk about that now as we have not won the return match. It is not over yet. We played with a lot of concentration and respect towards our opponents.

"I don't want to experience an unbelievable scenario, it would be the disaster of the year.

"In the return leg, Roma may play a great match, and maybe they will have Totti back, so we have to take care. Everyone talks about the 7-1 match, but it was a one-off."

Glorious

And Evra has backed 36-goal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to lead United to glory after his header put Sir Alex Ferguson's men in front against Roma.

Evra added: "Ronaldo gets success with everything he tries. His form is glorious and it is up to him to go on.

"There will be other big matches, which will be even tougher, before the end of the season."