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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tom Leach

Why Manchester United legend Patrice Evra is playing for non-league side Brentham FC

Manchester United legend, and one of the greatest left-backs ever to grace the English game, Patrice Evra has been in action for Middlesex County League side Brentham FC this weekend - but why?

The 39-year-old made 379 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League five times and lifting the Champions League in 2008 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He also counts Juventus, Marseille, Monaco and West Ham amongst his former clubs as well as being capped 81 times for France.

But now he is plying his trade deep in non-league and captained the losing side of an 11th tier clash against North Greenford United on Saturday afternoon - beaten 3-2.

A video of the Old Trafford legend taking a throw-in before showing his skills to move the ball to a teammate has gone viral on social media and has been watched over a million times.

That clip left fans asking how a player of his talent, regardless of his age, had ended up so low down the football pyramid - but Evra has now provided answers.

The ex-United captain is training and playing with the Essex club to build his fitness ahead of this year's Soccer Aid clash.

The charity game, set to be staged at Old Trafford, will take place next weekend (September 6) and will see Wayne Rooney take charge as manager of England's side.

His list of players so far includes Marvin Humes, Joe Wicks, Olly Murs, Mark Wright and legends Wes Brown, David James and Kelly Smith.

But Evra, as a Frenchman, will line-up for the World XI alongside Yaya Toure, Jason Manford and Robbie Keane.

Evra, who wore number 11 on the day for Brentham, said on Twitter: "Thanks for letting me play with you guys. Such a good day, don’t worry Giggsy I honoured your number the best I could."

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