Patrice Evra “wants Manchester United return”

It might be nothing more than be a bit of January transfer window nonsense, but rumours of a Manchester United return for Patrice Evra are gathering momentum.

Having packed his bags for a Turin in 2014, few United supporters expected to see the Frenchman back at the club any time soon - certainly not in a playing capacity. However, a couple of Italian league titles later, rumours that the 35-year-old might be in line to leave Juventus to finish his playing career at Old Trafford started doing the rounds earlier this week. Initially, the majority of United fans didn't bat an eyelid. But after an Instagram post from Rio Ferdinand asked Evra if there was any truth behind the rumours, excitement levels were raised. Adding further fuel to the fire is the latest report from the Daily Mail. With absolutely nothing in the way of quotes to back it up, they claim that it's their understanding that the left-back wants the move to happen. They also point to the fact that the left side of defence is an area in which José Mourinho could do with strengthening. Luke Shaw has struggled with injuries since recovering from the broken leg he suffered last season and right-footed Matteo Darmian isn't convincing anyone that he's going to be a regular starter there. Daley Blind has performed well there at times, but there's a sense that the Dutchman might be best used elsewhere on the field, especially given the difficulties he had in the New Year's Eve match against Middlesbrough. Let's wait and see what the rest of the month has in store.