Evra braced for a physical contest at Upton Park

Manchester United left back Patrice Evra is expecting a physical competition, much tougher than what United faced against Stoke City on Sunday, when the Red Devils travel to Upton Park to face West Ham. The Hammers are expected to continue with their long-ball style of play with hitman Andy Carroll upfront. However Evra, who failed to prevent Real Madrid’s Ronaldo from scoring a header when the two sides met in the Champions League, says his team is well prepared to take on Sam Allardyce’s men.

“At West Ham we have to be ready for the battle, like we were ready against Stoke. We know the challenge when you play Sam Allardyce’s team. They always knock the ball into the box and put a lot of crosses in.

“That is the Sam Allardyce style. Why would he change it? Not because he is playing against Manchester United.

“We have to defend well and be strong in the air. That is what we have done against Stoke, although to be fair, it will maybe be tougher against West Ham.”

Robin van Persie scored from the penalty spot, thereby ending his mini-drought wherein he had failed to score in 10 games for United. The goal was followed by wild celebrations as the Dutchman ran to the touchline to hug Sir Alex. However, Evra says he wouldn’t dare celebrate in that manner with the gaffer.

“No chance. Never. Maybe I will do it with my team-mates. But not with the gaffer. He is older. Imagine I go in too strong against him. He could fall, then he might sack me. I will never do that.

“Robin has had a lot of stick from us. It was nice. I could see a lot of love and emotion. It is the first time we saw that. Robin can tell you, for two or three days we have been getting at him. It is good to see love like that on the pitch sometimes.”