Evra's Departure Would Be A Disaster

Patrice Evra still hasn't signed a new contract at United.

The impressive Frenchman's contract expires in 2009 and is yet to agree to a renewal. His desire to stay is still there, he says, but the prospect of leaving is not an impossibility.

'We have already had one meeting about my contract,' Evra told the News of the World. 'The directors know my position. I give my all for this club.

'I love the club and its winning mentality. But that does not mean everything. I may leave next year or in two years.'

In short, we have another Wes Brown situation on our hands. If he does not sign a new contract, we will have to sell him this summer to get some money for him and not lose him on a free - unlike in the case of Brown who looks set to leave on a Bosman.

But while Brown is replaceable, Evra is not. I'd struggle to name a better left-back in world football right now. His consistency is impressive, he contributes to the attack as well as being solid defensively.

He improved beyond expectations since his arrival and is one of our most important players. If he does indeed love the club then we should tie him down to a long-term deal. Lose him and we can start rebuilding the formidable defense that looked intimidatingly unbreachable all season.