Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson suggested he would make an excellent manager in the future, shortly before his departure from Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old featured under the reigns of the Scot for many years, and became the first-choice left-back in what many describe as the most formidable defensive line in Europe. With Edwin van dr Sar between the sticks, Evra featured alongside Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville for many seasons.
Evra later joined Serie A giants Juventus, as Ryan Giggs became interim manager at the end of the 2013/14 season – concluding the season following the sacking of David Moyes. Despite Ferguson’s claims, Evra did not take a coaching position for the final few weeks, as Giggs became assistant manager when hanging up his boots.
“There are strange feelings that have come which at first I did not have,” the Frenchman said. “Before Ferguson left he called me into his office. He told me ‘Pat, I’ll tell you something very important. There are two players who will be great managers from this team. That’s Ryan Giggs and you.’”
As a result of the message from the manager, who spent 26 years with the Manchester outfit, Evra went on to earn his coaching badges during his time in Manchester, potentially suggesting where his future will be within football.
“I passed some of my coach qualifications in Manchester,” he added. “I’ve done all these things quietly. I want to pass this coaching qualification and afterwards we’ll see.”
Patrice Evra has scored one goal in 19 appearances for the Italian league leaders this season.
