Patrice Evra has revealed he is under instruction to get forward more often this season.

The Frenchman was noticeable as an attacking force during Wednesday's shock defeat at Burnley.

It was Evra who was brought down for the penalty Michael Carrick was unable to convert and he also sent over an early cross Michael Owen failed to turn home.

As one of the fastest players in the United squad - and someone who has played in midfield at times - it is natural for Evra to take up more attacking positions, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo no longer hogging the action.

"I have been getting forward a little more," said the former Monaco star.

"We always like to play with attacking full-backs but maybe this season we will see more of the left and right backs in the final third.

"When you had Ronaldo in front of you, sometimes it was just tempting to give him the ball because you knew he could make something happen.

"We would overlap at times but usually he could manage on his own.

"Maybe we will attack using more players - more like a team - this season."

The loss of Ronaldo is too fresh to make an accurate judgement on how United will manage without the Portugal superstar.

However, they do need to produce a greater threat to opposition defences than they have managed in their opening two games, starting at Wigan tomorrow.

The Red Devils boast a 100% record against the Latics and it will be interesting to see what formation Ferguson chooses, after electing to play Anderson in a wider role at Turf Moor.

Antonio Valencia seems certain to play against his former club, having injected a bit of life into United after being introduced as a substitute at Burnley.

Owen is less sure of his place after drawing another blank.

The former Liverpool star has not scored since United returned from their Far East tour, which must be a worry for Sir Alex Ferguson, whose assistant Mike Phelan admitted improvement is required.

"Their goalkeeper only made three saves in the entire game, which is not enough," said Phelan.
"We should have done a lot better and it is something we have to correct - and correct quickly."