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Former Old Trafford defender and youth coach admits that the Frenchman's performances were not up to standard during 2011-12 and believes the Suarez race row may have contributed

Former Manchester United defender, Arthur Albiston, has admitted that Patrice Evra had a "difficult" campaign for the Red Devils last term.

The Frenchman took over the Old Trafford captaincy from Nemanja Vidic in December but saw his form suffer and was involved in an ugly racism row with Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez which may have affected his eprformances according to Albiston.

He told United's official website: "It was clearly a little bit of a difficult season for Evra. He's been so consistent in the time he's been here but there were the circumstances with the Suarez incident hanging around for three months.

"Everyone expects him to play just as well as the last three or four seasons and he started coming back to his old self again in the last few games of the season."

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly in the market for a new left-back with Leighton Baines and Jordi Alba both linked with a move to Old Trafford, with Fabio Da Silva expected to leave the club on loan to gain first-team experience.

Fabio's twin brother Rafael, enjoyed a strong second half to the campaign, establishing himself as first-choice right-back, and the 54-year-old Scotsman believes the right-sided player deserves his regular slot.

Albiston continued: "There's been all sorts of names touted around by agents, the manager and staff have got to look all the time for emerging, young players and Fabio is going out on loan so he'll benefit from that. He needs to play 20-30 games to get some experience.

"He's got to grow up and he should be fine. His brother has played more games and is used to everybody now so he should be fine with them being apart as it makes you grow up.

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"Rafael is so lively and bouncy - he's like a cat on a hot tin roof. He's just so springy. He's got to learn things as he definitely got caught out in a couple of games, notably the Everton draw when it was highlighted.

"But he's still learning and is only a young lad. It's all happening quickly for him in the time he's been here and he'll benefit from any disappointments."