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MANCHESTER: Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will not be left out of Saturday's FA Cup fourth round trip to Liverpool despite the bitterness over his role in the Luis Suarez racism scandal, United assistant coach Mike Phelan told the BBC on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old French international could well captain the side in Nemanja Vidic's absence through injury, which will only serve to add to the tension after his claims over Suarez racially abusing him led to the Liverpool striker being suspended for eight games.
However, Phelan said that unless Evra was not fully fit he would not be left out of the team.
“It wouldn't be a consideration,” said Phelan, when asked by BBC Radio Manchester whether United had thought about leaving Evra out.
“Patrice Evra is a football player who plays for Manchester United.
“If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player.
“What has happened has happened. What has been said has been said.
“You are talking about a football match now and I think it will be a very good FA Cup tie.”
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has in the past opted to leave Wayne Rooney out of matches where he felt his England star forward could be distracted by off the field chants.
Earlier this season he left Rooney out of his starting line-up to face Liverpool due to the adverse reaction the striker receives in his home city, whilst last season, the United boss did not even take him to former club Everton.
