Alexander Buttner is being backed to test Patrice Evra's first-choice status at Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News says Buttner, who can play either side of the defence, is expected to take time to settle into the English game having arrived from Holland, but could find himself thrown in sooner than planned.

Evra is currently on international duty with France where he faces competition from City's Gael Clichy, although he started on Friday night against Finland.

And that battle could serve as a useful warm-up for the fight he has on his hands when he returns to Manchester next week.