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Patrice Evra: Arsenal are just jealous of us
James Olley19.05.09
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has taunted Arsenal by claiming jealousy got the better of them in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
The French full-back was targeted for rough treatment by the visitors following claims that United's Champions League semi-final victory over the Gunners was like "men against babies".
Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas appeared to take a measure of revenge by fouling Evra in quick succession, prompting referee Mike Dean to book the latter.
But the 28-year-old said: "They did not understand my humour. I like teasing. During the game the referee came to tell me he was going to protect me and that I should not make mistakes.
"Maybe they are jealous because we are champions and qualified for the Champions League Final."
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to upset Newcastle and Middlesbrough by playing a weakened United side at Hull on Sunday as he prepares for the Champions League Final.
United leave for Rome shortly after the game and Ferguson is expected to make wholesale changes despite the possible knock-on effects for the Premier League relegation battle.
The United manager said: "This is the best squad I've ever had. I could have picked two teams and I will be picking a team next Sunday which will reflect that."
Reader views (3)
A Messina, Malta
United players don't have to dive to beat Arsenal, They just have to turn up, turn it on and beat you so badly that fickle fans like you start calling for Wengers head.I take it you were one of the fans leaving The Emirates with 30 minutes to go when we taught you a lesson in the recent CL game.
- James Hennessy, london england
Evra , it is better for you to shut up and concentrate
on how not to dive when an opponent comes near you.
It is a disgrace when you see players like Ronaldo,Rooney,Giggs and you all diving to get free kicks so you can score.
What humour?, I never saw you smile once.
A.Messina
- A.Messina, Malta
Arsenal shame on you.it remains and it will remain the biggest club in the world ever.having bagged the league cup, carling cup,premier league and adamantly looking forward for champions league the RED DEVILS deserve respect from little kids arsenal, graduating kids in football liverpool and the rest
THE RED DEVILS ARE STILL YELLING FOR MORE BLOOD,THE NEXT PREY IS THE CATALANS.TAKE CARE
- Hamisi, kenya
