Manchester United v Real Madrid: Patrice Evra fears return of Cristiano Ronaldo

Frenchman also says former team-mate can expect a warm reception from the Old Trafford faithful

James Legge
Monday 04 March 2013 13:30 GMT
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Christiano Ronaldo (left) returns to Old Trafford for the first time since joining Real Madrid
Christiano Ronaldo (left) returns to Old Trafford for the first time since joining Real Madrid (Getty Images)

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Manchester United's Patrice Evra is wary of returning former hero Crisitano Ronaldo, who he calls a "big competitor."

Tomorrow night Ronaldo will make his first appearence at Old Trafford since swapping it for Real Madrid's Bernabeu in 2009, becoming the world's most expensive player at £80 million. Since then he has tussled with Lionel Messi to be called the world's best, coming in second in FIFA's Ballon d'Or for the last two years.

He notched his 33rd goal of the season in the last leg of the Champions League tie, and Evra thinks United have a lot to fear in tomorrow's second leg.

The left-back said: "Ronaldo is a winner.

"He is a big competitor. If he can win against Manchester United he will do it."

He also thinks that Ronaldo's contribution at United- where he scored 117 goals from 242 starts and won a Champions League, three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a World Club Championship- will not be forgotten by tomorrow's crowd.

"Cristiano will get a great reception on Tuesday because of what he achieved for Manchester United," United's captain said. "The fans will never forget what he did. Also, he still loves the club.

"I remember after the game in Madrid we had a chat. He said it was going to be more difficult to come here. This is his house, so there will be a lot of emotion."

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