Should United weigh up £10m Baines bid with Evra's future in doubt after dip in form?

Talking of Patrice Evra’s (United’s stand-in captain) performance this season, only one word describes it all: awful! Evra has been a disgrace in his full back position, with his mistakes costing United on 5 vital occasions, which includes the FA cup elimination against arch rivals, Liverpool. Besides, his season has been controversial too, with respect to the Luis Suarez issue. The question that comes to mind is: Is the time up for United’s most coveted player to be sold off and a replacement being brought in? Several dailies have linked United to Everton‘s Leighton Baines, who indeed has caught Ferguson’s eyes for quite some time now. He was also called up for the recent England squad along with teammate Phil Jagielka. Here’s the Author’s analysis of how this move will be for United’s future and how justified shall this move be if it at all happens.

Patrice Evra – Part of the problem

Patrice Evra has served United for six years now. Brought from AS Monaco as a replacement for the sidelined Gabriel Heinze for a 5.5 million euros and 3 and half year contract, he, over the years, has done well at Old Trafford. He did take some time to adapt to the English pace, loosing his place to Mikael Silvestre, but did come back strong and became United’s driving force on the left. But this season, he really has hit rock bottom. Several mistakes in his positions, fumbles, misplaced passes in horrible positions, etc really cost United crucial matches. Dirk Kyut’s late winner came at his expense and Jamie Mackie, Leanon and Sturridge had him embarrassed. The only thing he was good at, sadly, was creating controversial comments and hitting out at rivals. My criticism of Evra may be harsh on our fans, but it’s certainly not uncalled for. Every player has his bad days, but Evra has been poor for a majority of this season. Also, I don’t find any reason to even quote the saying “form is temporary, class is permanent”.

Leighton Baines – Speculations

Everton and England full-back Leighton Baines is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United by several dailies and rumors have been fueled due to Evra’s poor season and United missing out on their key target, Hazard, this summer. He was initially assessed at £6 million, but a stellar season from the left back with the tofees and deep interest from Bayren Munich has propelled his transfer value to £10-£12 million and may even go up to £15 million.

How good is he? – Statistics

*Baines scored five times during the season, a stellar return for any attacking fullback.

*He had 99 consecutive games for Everton before his bizarre injury.

*Featured in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 2012 becoming the first Everton player to do so for 22 years, since Neville Southall.

*He is a very good free kick taker.

*Was the league’s highest assisting defender in the previous season, with 11 assists.

*Overall stats for Everton: 11 goals in 161 appearances.

Players’ remarks at the link up

‘The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I’m at a great club as well, a club that I love. The focus now is all on the tournament. There’s not much time to let other things seep in. It’s about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and trying to do the best you can. – Leighton Baines

When Baines was asked if he would turn down United, he simply said that he would now try too keep his focus on the Euros. And asked if he would quit the toffees, the ever humble Baines said that it would certainly be difficult as he was associated with this club for so long and has made his mark here.

My Opinion

According to me, even though Baines seems to have a strong loyalty to Everton, successful clubs like Manchester United or Bayren Munich can turn players heads. Wayne Rooney headed to Old Trafford from Goodison Park to win trophies. Baines isn’t likely to win any trophies staying at Everton, hence the move would make sense. A good Euro will not only give him a good transfer value and salary, but will also bolster his chances of leaving Everton and going to United.

His move is now very necessary for Manchester United’s interests. As Baines wont opt to be anyone’s understudy, the move would result in Evra’s shift to the bench and a mentor role at Old Trafford, or in a transfer.