Manchester United hero Denis Irwin admits he's a huge fan of Patrice Evra.

Irwin should know a thing or two about the position, having played there in the 1999 Champions League final, one of his 529 appearances in a 12-year stint with the Old Trafford outfit.

And, whilst he accepts there is competition, particularly from Ashley Cole, Irwin has no doubt Evra is currently the best at his art.

"Patrice is the number one," said Irwin. "Ashley Cole has improved an awful lot this season. But Patrice has come on a lot too and this year has been his best."

In fact, so effective has Evra been, during a period when he was the only regular member of United's back four to remain injury-free, Irwin feels he edges Wayne Rooney as United's player of the season.

The Irishman admits the view is shaped partly by solidarity amongst the full-back fraternity.

But Irwin does feel Evra's performances have been worthy of the highest praise.

"Wayne Rooney has been tremendous, particularly over the past three months," said Irwin. "But Patrice Evra has been every bit as good. He has been very consistent at a really high level.

"Regardless of what Wayne has done, Patrice has been our player of the season. Unfortunately for full-backs, centre-forwards get all the glory because they score goals."