Evra’s concern over defending

United 2, Sunderland 2

Patrice Evra admits he is concerned by Manchester United’s defending.

United required another thrilling late comeback just to snatch a 2–2 draw yesterday as Sunderland came within 90 seconds of recording their first win at Old Trafford since 1968.

The Black Cats were denied when Evra’s shot flew in off Anton Ferdinand, triggering jubilant scenes from the stands and a bizarre rant at referee Alan Wiley from Sir Alex Ferguson.

But there was no back–slapping in the home dressing room, just frustration at an inability to keep the opposition out.

“I am worried that we are not keeping clean sheets,” said Evra.

“I am not happy about it because if you want to win the league you have to keep clean sheets. Last year we only conceded 21 goals. We can’t concede more than that this season.”

In fact, United have conceded eight in their opening eight matches and kept four clean sheets. Yet a sudden frailty on home soil seems to have come to light.

Three goals against Manchester City a fortnight ago, followed by another two yesterday does not making happy reading, with Ben Foster’s contribution a particular concern.

In front of England coach Fabio Capello, Foster was badly beaten in an aerial duel with Kenwyne Jones which allowed the Trinidad and Tobago man to head into an empty net.

The goal halted what seemed certain to be a home march for victory, leaving Evra to rescue what even he felt was an undeserved point.

“It was a big disappointment,” he said. “It is very frustrating because it looked like we had no energy or power. I don’t know why. It was just very poor. I don’t know if we even deserved a point.”

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce did not think so. Yet he, more than anyone, knows United can never be counted out until the final whistle.

After all, it was Bruce who scored those two late headers against Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 that had Ferguson dancing on the touchline and Brian Kidd on his knees saluting the heavens.

“I would love to see a stat of how many times they have scored to rescue a game in the last minute after they have not played well,” reflected Bruce.

“They always seem to get something out of a game. That is the mark of champions.

“At the top of that is the Ayatollah himself who sits and watches it. That is what he has brought to the football club. They never give in.”

While Bruce can only ruefully reflect on what might have been, Ferguson must find some solutions before his team entertain Bolton in a fortnight.