Manchester United to replace Patrice Evra with Alberto Moreno?

Alberto Moreno (L)

Patrice Evra has been a devoted Man United player in recent years, but with his contract expiring in the summer, The Express say that Evra will bid au revoir to David Moyes and co, and the man to replace him could very well be Sevilla’s 21-year-old left-back Alberto Moreno.

Moyes looks as though he is keen to inject youth into the Red Devils this term, entrusting Adnan Januzaj with his first string of games at the club and holding Phil Jones at the heart of his plans, and the eight-time Spanish U21 international would certainly slot into that.

Moreno holds the pace that Evra was once renowned for, but he is also sturdy in the challenge – both players have attempted 20 tackles this season with Moreno winning 17 and Evra 16.

Alberto Moreno Duels Won

A major asset that Evra has in his arsenal is the way he is able to gallop down the flank and whip crosses into the box, and the number of key passes he has made this term (16) proves that, in fact, the Frenchman is Man United’s most creative player. Moreno is a slightly more technical player in a way that he can swivel inside and add another depth to his attacking game, however, he has only made five key passes in his 11 La Liga appearances so far.

Man United’s Most Creative Players This Season

But looking at where those chances are generated it’s clear to see that he is comfortable wherever he receives possession, while Evra sticks to his favoured left wing.

Alberto Moreno Chances Created

Both players have been known be a tad ambitious going forward and both have been caught out on numerous occasions, but the Spaniard has the legs to cover himself.

Moreno was recently rewarded with his first full Spanish international cap in a World Cup Qualifying game against Georgia and it was well deserved. Born in Seville, Moreno has progressed through the ranks at his hometown club and it was last season which he reaped the rewards for his hard work.

His fearless approach to the game saw him stamp the left-back berth as his own for the latter half of the season and he didn’t disappoint, averaging seven defensive actions per game through his 15 league appearances and winning 61% of his tackles.

His fine performances this season have surprised few that witnessed him last term, but there will be plenty of fans hoping that he follows his former team-mates Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo to Manchester – only the red half rather than the blue. But with a deal that sees him tied to the club until 2018 it’s unclear just how likely that is.