Evra showing his quality - Irwin

United legend Denis Irwin has praised the performances of Patrice Evra this season, who he believes is showing signs of becoming a more complete player.

Evra's well-documented slow start to his United career in the second half of the 2005/06 campaign was followed by an outstanding contribution to the Reds’ title triumph last term.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has again proved this season why he is Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-choice for the position, and Irwin, who made the left-back spot his own during 529 appearances for the Reds, has been hugely impressed with the defender’s start to the new season.

"Evra has looked very good this season," he said at a fans' Q&A session at Old Trafford.

"I must admit I was a bit worried when he first came in,” he added. “I always thought Heinze was a better defensive player, but Evra did look good going forward. I thought that if you could have merged the two of them then you'd have the perfect full-back.

"It was a tough start for Patrice and everyone remembers his debut against City. But last year you could see him getting better and better all the time, and I'm very impressed with his all-round game now."