Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra admits he's been hurt by criticism this season. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson shelled out £4m for Alex Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem to beef up the contest.

The unknown Dutchman made an impressive debut against Wigan, suggesting Evra's established position that he's held at United for five years is under threat.

"I am not the kind of guy who reads comments. When I am not playing I just stay with my family so I wasn't aware of personal criticism. It is the first time I have heard that now you've told me and I don't like it!" a stunned Evra told the Manchester Evening News.

"Last year I played a lot of games and maybe if I play well these days people just accept that as normal. But it is not normal playing well for United, it is hard work. When you play a bad game people criticise you too quickly.

"My target is simple, football is like a pyramid and I want to stay on the top. It is easy to reach the top of the pyramid but to stay there is the hardest part. I always try to stay on the top. I tried last year, I will next year and the year after that.

"I have been really happy with my form. I am confident with my quality. It is six years I have been here and I want to be the best. That is my target every year. My biggest challenge is myself. I am not being arrogant but I am my biggest challenge.

"I have said to myself that if we don't win the title then maybe there is something wrong. Maybe I have done something wrong. I am not special I am just Patrice Evra and I play for United. The star is the team not just one player.

"That's why if I end up on the bench it will be because I didn't play well and I accept that. You have to fight for your place every day. It is really hard to stay at the top of that pyramid. You have to play your best.

"If we lose then I will always blame myself. That is what I always do. Even if I don't make a mistake and have a good game I will always blame myself."