Evra backs De Gea to overcome wobbly start and become Man United legend

Patrice Evra has used the memory of his own tortured Manchester United debut to assure David de Gea not to worry about his transition to the Premier League.

After a couple of shaky performances following his £18million arrival from Atletico Madrid this summer, the 20-year-old was far more composed in Monday night's 3-0 win over Tottenham.

Even a rather risky attempt to nip past Rafael van der Vaart, which drew a foul out of the Tottenham man, was cited as showing a welcome degree of confidence.

Shaky start: David De Gea struggled against Man City and West Brom

There were a couple of minor mistakes near the end, enough to interest Bolton and Stoke, places United must visit in September, but overall, De Gea's first Old Trafford experience was positive, exactly as Evra felt it would be.

'The goalkeeper's performance was very good,' said Evra.

'He did well with his feet and everything. The crowd were behind him too, so he should say a big thank you to them.

'I have been telling him not to worry because English football is not easy.

'I made my debut against Manchester City. It was really difficult. After the first 45 minutes, the manager took me off, told me to sit down, watch English football, and learn.

Confident display: De Gea was much-improved as Man United won 3-0

'Sometimes you have good days. Sometimes you have bad. I am confident because he has a big talent and we are going to help him.'

Although he passed his 30th birthday in May, Evra could not have been expecting to take on the role of elder statesman quite so quickly.

Yet that is exactly what he was on Monday night - the oldest player in the second youngest Premier League team Ferguson has ever sent out onto the pitch.

That Phil Jones and Jonny Evans were responsible for keeping a clean sheet at one end, whilst Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck were combining to open Tottenham up at the other just made the whole evening even more remarkable.

'Don't say I am old,' he grimaced. 'It is just amazing.

Elder statesman: Patrice Evra was the only player above the age of 26 in United's starting XI

'But the young players deserve what they get. You have to give them a lot of credit.

'A lot of people talk about the academies at other clubs but you can see the youngsters we have got and the boss is not afraid to put them in.

'We know we have a big responsibility. We want to win everything. That is the Manchester United way.

'We have lost a lot of experienced players. But now you can see the team is fresh, with a lot of energy. The football is quick.

'They have to keep going and the more experienced players have to help.'

Ferguson states simply that he has been left with no alternative other than to pick his youngsters because of the performances they have produced so far.

New kids on the block: Danny Welbeck celebrates his goal on Monday with Tom Cleverley

There has to be some doubt whether Welbeck, Cleverley and Jonny Evans for instance can sustain a title drive far into the season, whilst De Gea will continue to be questioned until he strings a series of reliable performances together.

However, already it is obvious talent exists.

And with Phil Jones looking every inch a captain of the future for both club and country, it is tempting to wonder whether Rio Ferdinand's 10th season at United may turn out to be his last.

With each passing game there seems less reason to break the bank for Wesley Sneijder, as fine a player as the Dutch midfielder so obviously is.

And after losing Gerard Pique and Giuseppe Rossi in recent years, Ferguson is already wary about closing the door of opportunity to his younger players.

Duck to water: Phil Jones has looked solid at the back

However, in the aftermath of a victory that nestled United in behind Manchester City as the Premier League's early pacesetters, the Red Devils chief admitted a problem may be looming in trying to give his seven-strong striking roster, bolstered by the unexpected return of Javier Hernandez last night, enough chances.

It has raised the possibility of departures before the transfer deadline, with Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf amongst the most obvious contenders given Michael Owen has signed a new one-year contract and Ferguson has apparently rejected the idea of selling record signing Dimitar Berbatov.

This problem does appear trifling to those staring Arsene Wenger in the face though and the fact Arsenal head to Old Trafford on Sunday merely adds another twist to the Londoners` desperate summer.

'It is always a special game,' smiled Evra, who has previously lambasted the Gunners for being a football training centre that does not win trophies.

'I don't need to comment more.'