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Patrice Evra names Liverpool star James Milner as his ‘most difficult’ opponent over Lionel Messi


Manchester United great Patrice Evra named James Milner as his toughest opponent (Picture: Getty)

Patrice Evra has revealed how James Milner would ‘frustrate’ the hell out of him during his playing days and named the Liverpool midfielder as his ‘most difficult’ opponent over Lionel Messi.

The legendary former Manchester United left-back featured as the guest on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and ruffled some feathers with a few harsh words for Arsenal after their defeat to Sheffield United.

Lys Mousset’s 30th-minute strike was enough to seal three points for the Blades as Arsenal’s miserable away run continued. Unai Emery’s side are now without a win in their last four matches on the road.

Evra famously called Arsenal players ‘babies’ after his United side beat Arsene Wenger’s men to the Champions League final back in 2009 – and the Frenchman repeated the jibe once again on Monday evening.

Evra admits Milner would endlessly ‘frustrate’ him during his playing days (Picture: Sky Sports)

‘I used to call them “my babies” ten years ago, and they are still when I look at them and think they are “my babies” and that’s the truth – I’m not being disrespectful when I say that,’ Evra said.

‘They look pretty, but they don’t look like a winning team.

‘They like playing good football, but I was so happy to play against them, because I knew I was going to win.’

Evra’s explosive words unsurprisingly drew a strong reaction, with Granit Xhaka branding his comments ‘bulls***’ in the wake of the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

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After his brutal attack on Arsenal, Evra surprised viewers with an usual shout for the toughest player he faced throughout his career.

‘James Milner. I played against Messi many times in the wide position, and I won’t say he’s easy to mark, but I could deal with it,’ the ex-France international said.

‘It’s when he goes central, that’s when he’s dangerous because he can turn on the right or left.

‘James Milner, only because he could frustrate me because I’m an attacking defender and he’s following me everywhere and challenging me in the air and I would just get frustrated sometimes: “Just go and attack and leave me alone!”

‘When I was playing the derby against Manchester City, I had him and then he went to Liverpool and I had him again.

‘So yeah, the one who frustrated me the most was James Milner.

‘Of course, [Aaron] Lennon was the type of player that, if I wasn’t 100 per cent fit, would run behind me, and defender’s hate when a player runs behind.

‘Lennon’s quick movement was difficult to play against, but yeah, it’s James Milner.’

Evra has spoken with United over a possible return (Picture: Getty)

Evra also confirmed that he’s held talks with United over a potential role at Old Trafford.

‘I retired five months ago and I thought maybe I will now enjoy my life but no, I’m doing my coaching badges with Manchester United,’ he said.

‘But I want to make it clear because some people think i’m already working for United but no, there’s been some talks.

‘But at the moment I’m only doing my badges. I know everyone is excited to see me back at the club.’

Evra insisted discussions with United were still only at a preliminary stage after Jamie Carragher raised a recent Instagram post which suggested otherwise.

He said: ‘I’m having some important talks behind the scenes and we’ll decide whether I will work for the club in a certain role or not we’ll see.

‘We don’t know yet I want to do erverything but in life you can’t do everything but a role where I can get my hands dirty.

‘If i come back to the club it’s not just to put my face on it it’s to make sure that the club is going back to being the best club in the world. As a player I sacrificed my life to succeed at this club. I don’t know which role I have but I will do the same.’

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