Patrice Evra has been working with DHL Express, the Official Logistics Partner of Manchester United, to delivereda professional-grade, all-weather football pitch to Mae Suek
Patrice Evra has credited Michael Carrick with helping turn one of Ruben Amorim’s last signings into Manchester United’s most improved player this season.
While the Portuguese manager’s fate was sealed in January when a miserable run of form was compounded by a spectacular falling out with United’s hierarchy, the players that were recruited on his watch last summer have begun to blossom under his interim successor.
Bryan Mbeumo settled in almost instantly following his move from Brentford and although it has taken Benjamin Sesko a little longer to find his footing, the former RB Leipzig centre forward has hit something of a purple patch in recent weeks.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens has also proven to be a shrewd addition with his calming presence and unruffled nature having a much needed positive impact on a defence that was never comfortable protecting Andre Onana.
Evra, speaking to DHL Express as part of the ‘Delivering Dreams’ campaign, believes the title of United’s most improved player should go to another summer signing in Matheus Cunha.
The Brazil international was expected to make an instant impact at Old Trafford following his £62.5million move from Wolves but it took him nine games to get off the mark and break his goalscoring duck.
Cunha has scored six more times since then and although that hardly represents a prolific return, he is among one of the first names on the team sheet and provided one of the highlights of the season with his sensational last minute winning goal against Arsenal in January.
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Matheus Cunha has thrived at Manchester United in recent months (Picture: Getty)
‘My favourite Manchester United players to watch has always been between Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs, Evra told DHL Express.
‘As for the most improved player this season, that’s a tough one because everyone is pushing hard this season, but I would probably say Matheus Cunha.’
‘I am really happy with the new signings including Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. They bring something different to the team.
‘Cunha has great vision and skill, and he’s strong and fast playing up front. These signings are proving why they were brought to Manchester United.
‘It’s not easy to play for this club, but they are doing very well.’
Evra has also been impressed with the development of Patrick Dorgu who signed 18 months ago and was signposted to feature as a left wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Mae Suek is one of the most geographically isolated communities in the world
The Denmark international was not alone in struggling to adapt to the demands of that formation but had been reborn in a more offensive role in Carrick’s more conventional blueprint.
‘When you play as a left-back, people often judge your performance by your attacking play,’ said Evra.
‘You have to find the right balance, but with the way modern football is played, I think Patrick Dorgu is more dangerous as a left winger.
‘That goal he scored against Arsenal was unbelievable. He is definitely more attacking than defensive. While the manager will ultimately decide, I see his long-term future as a left winger.’
DHL Express, the Official Logistics Partner of Manchester United, meanwhile, worked with Evrato deliver a professional-grade, all-weather football pitch to Mae Suek, Thailand – one of the most geographically isolated communities in the world where over 85% of the population are lifelong supporters of the Red Devils.
Evra led the first training session on the new surface to inspire a generation of players in a region where the Theatre of Dreams had previously only existed on television screens.
An amazing 85% of Mae Suek’s population are lifelong supporters of the Red Devils
‘The ‘Delivering Dreams’ campaign with DHL Express is fantastic,’ said Evra. ‘When I saw the smiles on the kids’ faces when they played on this beautiful football pitch for the first time was a moment I won’t forget.
‘When I was that age, I didn’t have the opportunity or the luxury to play on that kind of pitch. It’s an amazing campaign and an honour to be chosen to cut the cord and be the first one playing on the pitch with those kids.
‘It is incredibly important that everyone has access to football facilities from an early age because this is where you build leadership and wider skills.
‘I didn’t go through an academy, so having a pitch like this where it is free to play and you can just enjoy yourself and keep out of trouble is hugely beneficial. This pitch will allow the community to improve their skills every day. I want more kids to play outside, have fun, and play the game.’
DHL Express, the Official Logistics Partner of Manchester United, delivered a professional-grade, all-weather football pitch to Mae Suek, Thailand, for the ‘Delivering Dreams’ campaign. Find out more here
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