Patrice Evra should definitely play against Liverpool - Former Manchester United defender Viv Anderson

Ex-Red Devil believes there will be a backlash against the Frenchman on Saturday but in convinced the left-back is of a strong enough character to not let it affect his game

26 Jan 2012 15:55:00

By Simon Sinclair

More On :  Liverpool, Manchester United, Patrice Evra, Liverpool vs Manchester United
Patrice Evra, Manchester United
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Former Manchester United defender Viv Anderson is adamant that left-back Patrice Evra should start against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

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The last time the Frenchman played against the Reds was the infamous game in October when he clashed with Luis Suarez leading to the Uruguayan being banned for eight games for aiming alleged racist abuse at the France international.

Anderson believes there will be a backlash from the Liverpool fans, but insists Evra, who will likely captain United at Anfield, is experienced enough to deal with the expected hostile atmosphere.

Anderson told the Manchester Evening News: "Patrice should definitely play, 100 per cent. There will be a backlash, but he did nothing wrong, so why should he not play?

"He is experienced enough and old enough to deal with it. It won't be the first time he's been verbally attacked. If you cannot deal with it then you are never going to make a career for yourself.

"Patrice is at Manchester United playing in the Premier League and is a French international.

"He has proved he is able to stand up to all the outside pressures that have been heaped on him as he's built his career.”

Anderson feels if the Frenchman didn't possess such a strong character, his reception could affect his play and potentially even his career if he thinks about it too much, but the 55-year-old is confident Evra will put it all to the back of his mind on Saturday.

He added: "It is not right you have to put up with racial abuse, but I am sure it has happened to him in the past.

"I don't think playing at Anfield after what has gone on will bother him.

"There will always be something else around the corner, and if you keep worrying about something then you will fold and disappear."

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