Evra targets regular spot

Patrice Evra is determined to establish himself in the Manchester United side.

The 25-year-old defender has been in and out of the United team since switching to Old Trafford from Monaco in January.

Evra accepts that it took him some time to adapt to life in The Premiership, but he has been encouraged by his more recent displays and is confident of going from strength to strength.

"I have been pleased with my performances this season," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"This is my first full season and I understand things more - playing for United, English football, what the boss wants.

"Six months ago, it was not very good for me, but it was good for my experience, for my head, because every day, in every game and at every training session, I was learning.

"In France, the game is relaxed; you have time on the ball. But in England, you always have forwards or midfielders on you.

"It is good for me here because I work harder. I am never sure that I will play every game. It is not just football either, but in life. I eat well and I sleep well."

Evra has often been kept out of the United side by French compatriot Mikael Silvestre, while Gabriel Heinze's return to fitness could also limit his first team chances.

However, Evra insists he is relishing the competition for places.

"If you come to Manchester you expect competition. If I didn't I would have stayed in Monte Carlo because there I played every game," he explained.

"I'm very happy here. The pace is quick, we always play attacking football.

"All the time in the dressing room we say, `tomorrow is important, very important'. It is a beautiful life."