Patrice Evra believes Manchester United “have a point to prove” in the Champions League this season, ahead of Tuesday’s clash at Dynamo Kiev.
United resume their campaign in the Ukraine next week having already won their first two group matches and handily placed to seal a last 16 berth with time to spare.
And once their spot in the knockout stage is secured, the Red Devils can start to plan their revenge for last season’s gut-wrenching semi-final exit.
Having beaten AC Milan at Old Trafford in the opening leg at Old Trafford, a tired and weary United side were hammered in the return meeting at the San Siro, allowing the Serie A giants to move on to the final, where they subsequently accounted for Liverpool.
“Losing against AC Milan last season was very frustrating,” said Evra.
“I don’t like making excuses but we had players missing through injury and suspension and it affected us.
“This year we have even more quality, so our chances are good.
“Just because we have signed quality players it doesn’t automatically mean we will do better. But I do feel as though we have a point to prove after last season’s frustration.”
No trip to Kiev can be taken lightly, but Sir Alex Ferguson has done his best to minimise the effects of the journey by ordering a Sunday flight for his team rather than setting off 24 hours before kick-off as usual.
With their own dietician and chef on board, nothing will be taken to chance.
And while a number of senior men, including Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick and Gary Neville, remain on the injured list, Ferguson will feel confident of picking up at least a draw, as he did on his only previous trip to Kiev with United seven years ago.
The only survivor from that night will be Ryan Giggs, who signed a one-year contract extension earlier this week.
Evra knows Giggs well having played on the same flank since his £5million arrival from Monaco in January 2006.
In fact, at times Evra has even occupied Giggs’ usual left-wing slot as Ferguson tried to cope with a mass of early-season absentees, producing performances so effective some United supporters have branded the jovial Frenchman their club’s best performer so far this term.
“If some fans are saying that then it is a nice compliment but really it is all about the team,” he said.
“I always work for the team and just try to respect this great shirt, which means giving everything and trying to do well in each match.
“I am not aiming to be something special but I feel good this season.
“I want to do my best because I want to reach the same level as I did last year.”
