Patrice Evra will welcome David Beckham back to his spiritual home at Old Trafford when Manchester United take on AC Milan in the Champions League next year. Full-back Evra, who is yet to face Beckham at club level, will welcome the former United star ‘home’ on 10 March in the Champions League round of 16 second leg.
“I am very happy for David Beckham,” said the 28-year-old Frenchman, who arrived at United in January 2007.
“He did a lot of great things for Manchester United and I want to say to him, “Welcome home”.
“I have met him. He is a gentleman. He is a good person and a good professional. This is why Milan wanted him to go back there.
“I like that type of player. He is still one of the best right-footed players in the world. But I hope he plays badly and I intend to make sure he doesn’t do very well.”
Beckham, who left United for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003, will visit Old Trafford for the first time since his £25 million departure. But, says Evra, the hype surrounding Beckham’s return will not distract United in the build up to the match.
“Who can say whether it will help or not the fact that all the focus will be on him,” Evra said.
“After all, when we played against Barcelona it was all Messi v Ronaldo. For us it is normal. The pressure is normal.
“I am more interested in playing against AC Milan than David Beckham. What I do know is that our confidence is high. For us, the target every year is to reach the final, and from there to win it.”