Another United player moving to Internazionale?

Another day, another high-profile player apparently on the way out of Old Trafford. This time it's Patrice Evra, who the Daily Mail reckon will be invited follow his defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic to Internazionale. One can only imagine the scouting department that looks at United and says "yes, please, I'll have their defence".

It's fairly common knowledge that United are in the market for a new left-back, and Evra, magnificent though he has been, is certainly on something of a downward curve. But on the other hand, it's been widely reported that there is an option for a year extension, and Evra has today been quoted as telling French radio: "We are behind the new manager; we will do everything to qualify for the next Champions League, (and) my love for the club will not change."

So that's nice.

On balance, it would be a loss. If Evra decides he wants another couple of seasons as first-choice, then fair enough, thanks for the memories, enjoy Milan. But if he gets nudged into a move by inertia on the club's part, then that's not at all encouraging. Not only is Evra one of the few United players that really seems to get the club, but he's still a thoroughly decent player. If United are buying a young replacement, then there's nobody better for him to learn from. And if United are buying a ready-made first-team player, then a choice between Evra and Alexander Buttner as back-up is, well, no choice at all.