Evra targets Christmas lift

Patrice Evra is demanding Manchester United secure maximum points from their Christmas fixtures as they look to make up lost ground in the Premier League title race.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who are four points behind leaders Chelsea after two defeats in three games, are not in action again until they visit Hull on December 27. And the Frenchman feels three points at the KC Stadium plus another victory against Wigan at Old Trafford on December 30 will put the Red Devils right back in the hunt ahead of a mini break, when cup football takes over.

"It's a crucial time," he said. "We lost against Aston Villa and Fulham but the target is to win every game we can from now on."

He added: "We always do well in this period and now, more than ever, we need victories."

It hardly needs to be stated where United's problems lie.

Ferguson had eight senior defenders missing at Craven Cottage and was forced to deploy a back three that included rookie Ritchie De Laet.

Although it does not completely explain why they were so bad against Fulham, it does provide a starting point.

Yet, shoved into a position he has no experience in, Evra actually thinks Michael Carrick has done quite well.

"He has quality," said Evra. "He doesn't have to play all season at the back but he can do it for some games."