Why Buttner's arrival could be good for Evra

Alexander Buttner‘s impressive debut performance against Wigan Athletic on Saturday threw some light over Sir Alex Ferguson’s bizarre decision to recruit the 23 year old so late into the transfer window. A goal, an assist and a Man of the Match trophy defined Buttner’s ruthless efficiency down the flanks.

As he ran down the Old Trafford pitch celebrating his first goal for the club in front of 75,000 roaring spectators, one cameraman audaciously had his camera focused on one man. Not Buttner, but the man he replaced, a rather straight faced Patrice Evra.

It is not often that Evra finds himself on the bench, yet the signs were eminent. His much publicized slump over the past few seasons had skeptics questioning his unchallenged place in the starting eleven, so much so that Sir Alex had to jump into the transfer market and recruit a player previously unheard of.

Some see this as ‘The Beginning of the End’ for the French full back. However, there’s always an another side to the coin and so there is in his case too.

With Patrice Evra starting 147 out of United’s last 174 league, cup and European games, fatigue could easily have been one of the reasons for Evra’s slump. The dynamic modern day wing backs, who offer dynamic pace and power along with an exhaustive work rate, do require adequate resting periods in order to remain fresh, both physically as well as mentally. Evra, given his regular place in the side and lack of fitness problems, possibly was the perfect example of player burn out.

Sir Alex’s squads have always been known for their depth, and in recent years every position in the Red Devils’ squad has been hotly contested for, barring left back. That lack of competition could have been another reason which allowed Evra to grow complacent.

Perhaps a few gritty displays from Buttner could help the Frenchman rediscover his form, with a renewed Evra expected to be very beneficial to United and Sir Alex. Whether it’s a slump or maybe even a man in decline, only Patrice Evra’s performances can put that debate to rest.