Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Patrice Evra has been left "shattered" by the Luis Suarez controversy.

Evra will return to captain United against Norwich at Carrow Road today after ­being left on the sidelines for the two Europa League c­lashes with Ajax.

Ferguson said: "The intention was to give Patrice a clean break away from it all after the Suarez thing.

"He needed a rest physically because, don't forget, he's been playing almost non-stop for four years.

"But also mentally it's been a difficult time for him and it was right to give him that break. He was tired both physically and mentally, but we've got him nice and fresh again for the ­run-in."