Irwin Admires Evra

Former Manchester United star Denis Irwin feels Patrice Evra has been one of the club's best players since David Moyes took charge at Old Trafford.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international has been impressed with the French left-back and also Chris Smalling, who has covered superbly for Rafael on the other flank.

"Pat had things in the summer going on with the talk of other players coming in," explained Irwin to ManUtd.com. "There's Alex Büttner there as well to challenge. But that is part and parcel of being a United footballer.

"He has responded really well and I think he's been one of our best players this year. I would definitely say that. I'm not surprised he's a contender for your Player of the Month award. He's been really solid this season and got the goal at Cardiff, which helps as well.

"It goes with the territory. There is always a young lad trying to take your place and there are always going to be links with players in your position in the press. You have got to deal with it and I think he has in the perfect way. I think he's responded really well.

"He knows the football club inside out. He's a good lad to have in the dressing room, a good leader and a bubbly character. He has been great for us this year."

On the other flank, Chris Smalling has performed impressively in a right-back role and scored his first goal of the campaign during the 5-0 rout of Bayer Leverkusen.

"Smalling has done really well when he has filled in at the right-back slot," added Irwin, who was speaking at Chevrolet retailer Frosts of Shoreham. "He is a good defensive player and no more could be asked of him. Rafael has more footballing ability, I think everybody would say that and it's not unfair to do so, but Smalling was excellent against Arsenal and I can understand why he has been a regular in Rafael's absence."

The champions face a taxing trip to Tottenham at the weekend as the North Londoners look to bounce back from the 6-0 mauling at Manchester City last Sunday.

"I think it is going to be a bit of topsy-turvy season," Irwin opined. "To be fair, the Premier League is leaning that way with so many ups and downs at the moment and we are going to have some disappointments.

"It was disappointing on Sunday to get in that position of being 2-1 up with a few minutes to go on the back of a really good run. After pulling Arsenal back in towards us, it was disappointing to let two points go away but you have got to say Cardiff deserved it and played very well.

"The Spurs result puts more pressure on us because you see the reaction from them as well on the back of a heavy defeat.

"For some reason, when players get a defeat like that, they put in extra work in training and more focus. They play on Thursday night at Tromso but, back in front of their home supporters, they will be hoping to make some amends and we have to be on guard. It could be a dangerous game for us."

Denis Irwin was presenting Frosts of Shoreham with a Manchester United Chevrolet Trax – for more information go to www.chevrolet.co.uk.