United moved up to sixth with a narrow 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday, marking the half-way point of what has been an inconsistent season for the reigning champions, who are still adapting to life under new manager David Moyes.
They now face Spurs and new boss Tim Sherwood at Old Trafford on Wednesday as they enter the second half of the campaign eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal and three points behind fourth-placed Everton in the race for Champions League qualification.
But France defender Evra believes his teammates have now recovered their hunger and are looking forward to mounting a charge in 2014 in a bid to retain their title.
‘I’m just looking at the present moment in time,’ he said. ‘The team is now playing better, we have that winning mentality and United spirit which was missing at the start of the season.
‘I can see that our hunger has come back, so I’m confident, but I don’t want to talk about the title.
‘I just want to talk about the next game, Tottenham at home on Wednesday. We need to make sure that we win and that we keep the momentum going.’ United striker Wayne Rooney missed the win over Norwich with a slight groin strain, while his fellow forward Robin van Persie is nearing a return after missing a number of weeks with a thigh strain, although Moyes remains coy about the timetable for the Dutchman’s comeback.
‘Robin has started some light training and he might not be too far away,’ said Moyes. Evra is also desperate to have the pair back and he believes that when they return, United will have the strongest team in the Premier League.
‘The squad is strong but it is not only about one player,’ he added. ‘We were also without Wayne and Robin when we played against Stoke, and when they come back we’ll be even stronger, which is why I’m so happy.’
Arsenal title bid on firm ground: Walcott
LONDON: Arsenal forward Theo Walcott says that his side’s improved defensive performances have strengthened conviction within the club that Arsene Wenger’s men can clinch the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners saw out 2013 at the head of the table following victory at Newcastle United and will attempt to start the new year in similar fashion when Cardiff City visit the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite being written off by many observers following the opening-day defeat at home to Aston Villa, the first half of the season has confirmed Arsenal’s title credentials.
And England winger Walcott believes the key to their progress lies at the back, where Arsenal have conceded only 18 goals in 19 league games -- a record matched only by Everton in the top flight.
‘I think you could see from the (final) 10 games last year that it was coming and that we had it in ourselves,’ he told the club website. ‘Everyone has been absolutely solid throughout the whole year.’ ‘It’s been two tough away matches in this period. I think a lot of people doubted that we were going to get results,’ he said.
‘It just shows that we’ve got great character in that dressing room and we’re getting stronger and stronger every week.
Man City form gives Pellegrini cheer
LONDON: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that his side’s profitable December has set them up to regain the Premier League title in 2014.
City won six of their seven league games in December, only dropping points in a draw at Southampton, and are now just a point off leaders Arsenal heading into their first game of 2014 at Swansea City on Wednesday.
‘I think it was a fantastic month for us,’ Pellegrini said. ‘In the Premier League, from the last seven we won six. It was very important for us to recover points. Arsenal were six points ahead of us so it is very important to finish the year in the position we wanted to be.’
They now face Spurs and new boss Tim Sherwood at Old Trafford on Wednesday as they enter the second half of the campaign eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal and three points behind fourth-placed Everton in the race for Champions League qualification.
But France defender Evra believes his teammates have now recovered their hunger and are looking forward to mounting a charge in 2014 in a bid to retain their title.
‘I’m just looking at the present moment in time,’ he said. ‘The team is now playing better, we have that winning mentality and United spirit which was missing at the start of the season.
‘I can see that our hunger has come back, so I’m confident, but I don’t want to talk about the title.
‘I just want to talk about the next game, Tottenham at home on Wednesday. We need to make sure that we win and that we keep the momentum going.’ United striker Wayne Rooney missed the win over Norwich with a slight groin strain, while his fellow forward Robin van Persie is nearing a return after missing a number of weeks with a thigh strain, although Moyes remains coy about the timetable for the Dutchman’s comeback.
‘Robin has started some light training and he might not be too far away,’ said Moyes. Evra is also desperate to have the pair back and he believes that when they return, United will have the strongest team in the Premier League.
‘The squad is strong but it is not only about one player,’ he added. ‘We were also without Wayne and Robin when we played against Stoke, and when they come back we’ll be even stronger, which is why I’m so happy.’
Arsenal title bid on firm ground: Walcott
LONDON: Arsenal forward Theo Walcott says that his side’s improved defensive performances have strengthened conviction within the club that Arsene Wenger’s men can clinch the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners saw out 2013 at the head of the table following victory at Newcastle United and will attempt to start the new year in similar fashion when Cardiff City visit the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite being written off by many observers following the opening-day defeat at home to Aston Villa, the first half of the season has confirmed Arsenal’s title credentials.
And England winger Walcott believes the key to their progress lies at the back, where Arsenal have conceded only 18 goals in 19 league games -- a record matched only by Everton in the top flight.
‘I think you could see from the (final) 10 games last year that it was coming and that we had it in ourselves,’ he told the club website. ‘Everyone has been absolutely solid throughout the whole year.’ ‘It’s been two tough away matches in this period. I think a lot of people doubted that we were going to get results,’ he said.
‘It just shows that we’ve got great character in that dressing room and we’re getting stronger and stronger every week.
Man City form gives Pellegrini cheer
LONDON: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that his side’s profitable December has set them up to regain the Premier League title in 2014.
City won six of their seven league games in December, only dropping points in a draw at Southampton, and are now just a point off leaders Arsenal heading into their first game of 2014 at Swansea City on Wednesday.
‘I think it was a fantastic month for us,’ Pellegrini said. ‘In the Premier League, from the last seven we won six. It was very important for us to recover points. Arsenal were six points ahead of us so it is very important to finish the year in the position we wanted to be.’