Patrice Evra Stake Interview: Football Insights & Predictions
We recently caught up with Stake Ambassador Patrice Evra to discuss the 2026 International Soccer Tournament, Premier League, MLS and all the latest Football Insights and Predictions. Check out our exclusive interview below, and get the latest football betting odds when you join Stake Sportsbook.
A Massive Call from a Football Legend
"Man United legends are too negative on Michael Carrick, Arsenal will bottle the Premier League, KSI will be serious owner for Daggenham and Redbridge, Ancelotti can win something with Brazil and I don’t like Americanisation of English football"
What is your reaction to Newcastle vs Man Utd?
Man United missed a good opportunity against Newcastle. There are many games left and we're still in a good position to finish third. Liverpool lost, Aston Villa lost, so it was a good opportunity to get more points, but these things happen in football. We should have won, especially against 10 men. I'm still really confident we'll finish in the top four.
What did you think of Paul Scholes’ Instagram story?
I hope Paul Scholes' Instagram story is fake, I hope he was hacked. To be honest, I'm not surprised at that from Scholesy. He was the quietest player I've ever played with in my entire career. Now, in the media, he drops bombshells. I really don't understand the lack of support behind Michael Carrick, he's one of us and he's doing very well. There's been negative analysis from Scholesy, but also from Roy Keane and Gary Neville. It annoys me because we want to be in the top four, and those comments are unnecessary, but this is what you do when you work in TV. You can't be positive, you have to be negative.
Most of these guys get a managerial job and get fired straightaway. I said to Neville: 'It's easy to talk on TV. When you were at Valencia, they asked you for paella, and you gave them fish and chips.' After three months, they said goodbye. People can't forget what they have done as a manager. As players, they're legends, but as managers, they haven't done a great job. So for them to speak and possibly kill the career of a manager, it's a little bit too much.
Does Michael Carrick deserve to keep the Man Utd job?
Michael Carrick's record is seven games, one draw and one loss. That's the situation right now, now Man United need to win their next game so they don't let that noise get to them, from the outside and from ex-players. Carrick is the man of the moment and has done really well. We should be behind him and support him.
Would you like to see more of your ex-teammates in the Man Utd coaching staff, to bring back the urgency of a winning mentality? Maybe Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville?
Man United asked me to come back as a member of the coaching staff when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge. I was in talks to be a Football Director too, but for me it's not the moment to do a job like that, even if I have my coaching license. As a manager, you have to sacrifice everything, it's a 24-hour job, I have so much respect for them.
Maybe bringing in some legends with Man United DNA to help Michael Carrick would be a good idea, but I think most of them would rather stay in punditry. If anyone is honest with themselves, sacrificing their lives and helping Carrick for the sake of helping Man United, that would be amazing. It's difficult to say who that would be.
Could we ever see Cristiano Ronaldo join a coaching staff after he retires? Could he coach at Man Utd?
Cristiano Ronaldo is busy trying to score 1000 goals. I see Cristiano owning a football club in the future, like myself, rather than going into football coaching. Cristiano likes to be the first to do anything, so if he became a manager, he would want to become the GOAT manager, like how he is as a player. I think any club would accept him as a manager if he wanted to do it.
Could Cristiano Ronaldo be another Zinedine Zidane as a manager?
Zinedine Zidane is a perfect example. I hope Cristiano Ronaldo can do what Zizou did, win a few Champions Leagues then go and have some nice holidays.
Who are Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s dream managers? Thomas Tuchel and Luis Enrique?
I'm not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United. I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality. The job he's done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it's a fantastic job.
Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they'll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that. But, I don't think we should write off Michael Carrick, he's done a great job and we need to give him an opportunity. People want an amazing manager for Man United, but right now, we need someone who understands the club and the players. Enrique is a genius tactician and great with players, but I think Carrick deserves a chance.
Bruno Fernandes has had another incredible season, but should he look to sign for another club in Europe who are more established at competing for the biggest trophies?
Man United nearly lost Bruno Fernandes at the start of the season and Ruben Amorim was able to get him to stay. Players with Bruno's calibre can always go to any club and win trophies elsewhere, but he's at Man United. He believes in the history of the club, he's a captain, his family might be settled in Manchester. Some players have left Man United and gone on to win trophies, but they didn't have the same impact there as they did at Man United. I think Bruno will have a lot of opportunities in the summer, it's up to him whether he wants to go.
What do you think of all the Cole Palmer links to Man Utd, especially as he grew up as a Man Utd fan?
I feel like everyone is a Man United fan and they don't play for Man United. As a kid, you can be a fan of a team, but it's different when you become a football player. Cole Palmer is a very promising talent and a rising star, he's signed a big contract with Chelsea so I'm not sure if he'd be able to leave. I'd welcome him with open arms if he wanted to play for Man United.
Right now, I'm more focused on Man United improving their defence. Palmer has had a lot of injuries and he needs to get back in form. When you play for Man United, you can't have a good month, you have to perform all year. That's the pressure of playing for this club. I can't say if Palmer takes Man United up a level, because the pressure there is different from what it is at Chelsea.
Would signing Cole Palmer be Man Utd’s revenge for when Man City signed Carlos Tevez?
Cole Palmer, if you want to upset Man City the way Carlos Tevez upset Man United in the past, then you're more than welcome to join!
Are you glad Kobbie Mainoo is back in the Man Utd XI? Were you worried when there were rumours of him potentially leaving on loan?
I've spoken to Kobbie Mainoo, he's such a humble kid and a great football player too. I'm not sure what happened with him and Ruben Amorim, I never asked him because it's not my business. I'm happy seeing him get more minutes, he's an English diamond. He was improving and we don't know what happened behind the scenes. But now, he's playing more and it's good news for Man United, good news for England and good news for Kobbie and his family. I remember seeing his brother wearing a shirt saying 'Free Kobbie', I hope he doesn't have to wear that anymore. Kobbie is doing a great job and he should reach the top, where he deserves.
Who do Man Utd need to sign to take them back to the top? Do they need a solid defensive midfielder, like Elliott Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Man United need more strong defensive midfielders. We have Casemiro, but he might leave in the Summer. I think Manuel Ugarte needs more time to adapt. Man United have good playmakers but we need a solid defensive midfielder, in a similar style to Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher. Even Ji-Sung Park would run everywhere when he played in the middle. This is the Man United DNA, I wouldn't be surprised if we bought a solid defensive midfielder in the summer.
What is your prediction for Man United vs Aston Villa?
Man United vs Aston Villa is a direct rivalry for the top four. If Man United want to bounce back straightaway and get even more ahead of Aston Villa, they have no choice but to win this game. Chelsea are pushing, Liverpool are getting points, Man United need to win this game. It's a good test. Sometimes, if you have 10 days of rest, it can be dangerous because the players will be training harder and they could head into the game with less energy. If Man United really want to be in the top four, they need to beat Aston Villa.
If I had to predict a score, I would say a close 2-1 to Man United.
As a Premier League winner, can you predict who will succumb to the pressure of the title race between Man City and Arsenal?
People think I hate Arsenal but I just love banter. When I was playing, Arsenal was always an easy team to play against, but times have changed. Man City's draw against Nottingham Forest is a big boost, and even if Brighton had lots of chances, Arsenal won. This is a sign of a Premier League winner. I've been there five times. Some away wins can be very ugly. It was a good chance for Man City to keep the gap close, I don't think it's over but that win against Brighton was big for Arsenal.
I want Arsenal to win the league, I just hope they don't bottle it again. People like the joke I made about calling them Netflix, we always have to wait for next season. Come on Arsenal, you can do it this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they bottle it again.
What were your thoughts on Fabian Hurzeler's comments on Arsenal?
Arsenal used to play the best football and didn't win anything. I think I'd let Arsenal pass this year, I don't care if they don't play good football, waste time, or cheat, they need to win the Premier League at any cost. Mikel Arteta is not here to please anyone, he's here to win. They need to win, even if that is through set pieces. Sometimes, you have to put the DNA of the club on the side if it means big trophies.
Are Arsenal one of the worst teams to win the Premier League in recent years? Where do they rank compared to other champions?
It depends, every generation is different. When we won the league in 2010/11, people were saying this is the worst Sir Alex Ferguson side ever and we won the league by nine points. People were harsh on us, so I won't say that about Arsenal, if they win, they're champions, that's it.
Theo Walcott brought up the debate of who would win, this Arsenal team or Man Utd in 2007/08, Rooney said Man Utd would smash them. Presume you agree?
I think Wayne Rooney was being really nice to Theo Walcott, even if he said Man United 07/08 would smash this Arsenal team. Walcott is a good friend, I love him, but saying those kinds of comments shows he's a menace on TV. He should stop doing punditry, this is dangerous for the kids, saying things like this. Even in the FA Cup in 2008, we beat Arsenal with eight defensive players. Our team is the GOAT of the Premier League, don't compare them to this Arsenal team. Walcott was probably drunk when he compared them, if he wasn't, then he's dangerous for society.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he told the Man Utd board to sign Erling Haaland back in the day, now he’s gone on to win the Treble with Man City… how good would he have been for Man Utd?
Erling Haaland would have been a very important signing for Man United, because we really needed a striker for years. I think Benjamin Sesko is settling in well now, but a calibre of player like Haaland guarantees you goals. If Man United signed him when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, we probably wouldn't be in this situation. His goals make the difference, they win games. Many players should've signed for Man United, but that's in the past. Haaland is doing great for Man City, he's a great guy, and I know him personally. I wish him luck.
Do you think Liverpool should take the gamble of sacking Arne Slot and hiring Xabi Alonso, before another team hires the Spanish manager?
That's football nowadays, you can win the league then get sacked next year. Personally, I think Arne Slot deserves a chance. As a Man United legend, I shouldn't feel sorry for Liverpool, but I do because I respect them. When players like Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson leave the club, they don't get enough respect for what they contributed. Slot finished with what Jurgen Klopp built, but he didn't replace those players who have left.
If Liverpool want to go with Xabi Alonso, they should be looking at his man management at Real Madrid. He was a great tactician at Bayer Leverkusen, but at Real Madrid, he needed to manage the players better. This shows that different clubs need different types of managers. Do Liverpool want to bring in a more tactical manager? Then Alonso would be a good fit, but maybe they need a man manager.
Have you seen a player drop off in form like Mohamed Salah has?
Mohamed Salah has been at the top for so many seasons. As soon as he has one bad season, he gets put on the bench then he goes to speak to the media, creating chaos, and he's still at the club. He's still needed to help Liverpool get into the top four, these moments happen to the big players. Salah should get more credit, everyone in football forgets to fast. Sometimes, the best players can have one poor season.
If Tottenham were relegated, is that good to show the competitiveness of the Premier League, or a negative as the league would lose a big fanbase and club down to the Championship?
Tottenham being relegated would be bad for the Premier League. I have a soft spot for Tottenham, I used to love playing at White Hart Lane. I always had a difficult opponent, called Aaron Lennon. It was always a big game against them. Tottenham have a great new stadium too. I would feel sorry for Tottenham, maybe I'm the only one, but I just love Tottenham. They are in serious danger, playtime is over.
I know Igor Tudor personally, everywhere he goes he does a great job. I think his appointment should work, I don't see Tottenham being relegated.
There's talk of Igor Tudor being sacked if he loses more games?
This would make no sense, we need to stop sacking managers, sometimes the blame needs to go on the players. Igor Tudor needs to finish the season and he can save Tottenham. Then they can decide to keep him or not after this season.
What’s your opinion on KSI taking over sixth-tier Dagenham and Redbridge? Could they be another Wrexham?
KSI loves football, he can definitely do similar to what Ryan Reynolds has done at Wrexham. We have some banter sometimes because he's an Arsenal fan. I'm really happy for him. I own my football team, Estrela da Amadora, and maybe we can play some friendlies.
People don't like the fact these influencers who got into boxing are now coming into football, but I wish him all the best. If he needs any help, I'd be happy to be there for him.
KSI will be a serious owner for Dagenham and Redbridge?
A funny person is the most serious person when he has to work. It doesn't matter what you put online, like myself, I like to joke and be crazy, but when it comes to work and win, those people know what to do. What I say to the Dagenham and Redbridge fans is, look at where KSI has come from, and look where he is now on top of the world. If he's buying your football club, it's because he can invest money and he wants to take this seriously, and he wants to win. I wouldn't be worried at all.
Could you ever see Kylian Mbappe coming to the Premier League, and if so, who would he join?
I was surprised Kylian Mbappe didn't join Liverpool. He would've been a good fit for the club. But his dream was to play for Real Madrid, like a lot of players. When the Casa Blanca call you, you don't turn it down. It would be amazing if he came to the Premier League eventually, he has the physicality and pace for it. It's difficult to ask someone to leave Real Madrid once they're there, though.
Will his fitness determine the Man City vs Real Madrid Champions League tie?
Kylian Mbappe is an important player for Real Madrid, but don't forget they're a team, sometimes they will have to play without Mbappe. They've done that in previous seasons. If Mbappe is back in the second-leg, it will be a massive boost for Real Madrid.
It's a top game for Man City and Real Madrid, I'm not sure who will win, but Vinicius Jr is back in form. He can be a big factor. When Real Madrid play in the Champions League, it's like a training game for them, they don't feel as much pressure. The competition is built for them.
Bradley Barcola seems to be rotated in and out of the starting XI for PSG, Arsenal need a X-Factor left-winger, should they try to sign him?
Bradley Barcola is the typical player for Arsenal. Barcola is an amazing player, but when you play for a big team like PSG, you have to perform every game. I think the fans get frustrated because they can see the potential he has, so much talent, but he's wasting so many chances. These kinds of players will go to Arsenal and they won't expect him to score every game, they'll want to see him play beautiful football, which is the mentality of the club. Right now, they are not playing the best football but they are winning. A player like Barcola would be perfect for Arsenal.
Will Zinedine Zidane ever come to the Premier League to manage? Or will he wait for the France job?
I don't think we'll ever see Zinedine Zidane manage in the Premier League. I think he's focused on the French national team job. As a club manager, he's already proven everything. He's won three Champions League and La Liga. Zizou wants to be at the international level. Didier Deschamps has done a great job, I think Zizou is his natural replacement.
Rayan Cherki is in and out of this Man City team, will he flourish under Pep Guardiola or do you think he should leave and become the main man elsewhere?
Rayan Cherki is the kind of player that football is missing. All the ex-players like myself are crying to have more players like Cherki. They are fun. It's difficult to work under Pep Guardiola, he can be strict tactically and doesn't like flair as much as others, but I think Cherki is a blessing to the football world. When I see him playing, I feel like I'm watching him on the street. He's adapting to Guardiola's system still and getting more minutes. When I see these players, it makes me want more of them.
The France front four is so good, isn't it?
That's the problem we've always had with the France team, every position we have so much quality, the squad is massive. Sometimes we look too good, and we can lose games from being too arrogant. I don't think any team can compete with our squad, but we can be too confident. Didier Deschamps is trying to work on that. When you see the French team, you would never hesitate to bet on us to win the International Soccer Tournament, but sometimes you can have the best squad, it doesn't always mean you have the best XI.
How impressed have you been with Hugo Ekitike? Do you think he’ll force Liverpool to sell Alexander Isak?
Hugo Ekitike is a top player, he's the real deal. I don't think we've seen enough of him at Liverpool yet, because they have a lot of players competing in his position.
People say signing Alexander Isak doesn't make sense, but it shows Liverpool are not playing around. They want the best striker, and when I was winning the league with Man United, we had three teams in our squad depth. We had Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, even Ruud van Nistelrooy competing for the striker spot. This is when a club shows they want to win every competition.
I think signing Isak and Ekitike shows that Liverpool want to compete for every trophy. At one point, we even had four left-backs at Man United, we had me, Mikael Silvestre, Gabriel Heinze and John O'Shea. You want that competition for a spot.
What do you think of Frenchman Ibrahima Konate's contract situation at Liverpool (out of a contract this summer)? Will he leave this season for Madrid? Is that a good move for his career, particularly to get into the French national team?
Ibrahima Konate gets a lot of stick. When you're a centre-back and playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, your errors and mistakes are highlighted even more. Konate is a great centre-back and will have a lot of choice for his next club if he decides to leave Liverpool. If he feels like his time is over, I don't think it would be a problem if he decides to join Real Madrid or even Man United. He would be welcome.
Do you think Manchester United or Liverpool, as currently constructed, is more likely to compete for the 2026/27 Premier League title?
This is a tough question. I'm sure Liverpool will buy more players or change the manager in the summer. I think Liverpool are closer to winning a league title than Man United next year, I think the quality players they have will give them the edge. I love what Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and other signings are doing for Man United, but I think Liverpool are still ahead.
Pundits have recommended that Man Utd could look at signing Endrick - would he be a great signing for the club?
I've always loved watching Endrick, even when he was in Brazil. It was quite sad what happened at Real Madrid. He's killing it at Lyon. Lyon have a great history with bringing in Brazilian players and making them bounce back in their careers, like Juninho.
Endrick will go back to Real Madrid, and if they give him a chance, he will prove he deserves to be their striker. But, it's not easy to play for Real Madrid. I really hope he plays for Brazil in the International Soccer Tournament, they need those kinds of strikers.
I couldn't believe when Endrick said Bobby Charlton was his idol, but wow, that was really surprising. Rest in peace to Sir Bobby Charlton, what a legend. Come to Man United Endrick, you're more than welcome, especially if Charlton was your idol.
Endrick would be a great signing for Man United, trust me. He's different from Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo. If I had to sign one explosive striker in the world right now, for Man United, it would be Endrick.
How did you follow the episode in which Vinícius Júnior says he was subjected to a racist insult from Prestianni during a Champions League match? Do you see any comparison with what happened to you in your time, and how do you view Vinícius’ fight against racism?
The problem isn't football when it comes to racism, it's society. It's difficult to change, there needs to be serious laws in place. It's always happened to me, when I was 17 years old, people in Italy were throwing bananas at me and making monkey sounds. It's not something new, and I don't understand why this is still happening. I hope Gianni Infantino is taking these things very seriously, but I'm not surprised it's happening because it's a societal problem. People are asking Vinicius Jr not to celebrate in the way he did, come on. Remember when Jose Mourinho did a knee slide at Old Trafford? We love football, and people should be able to celebrate how they want. Vinicius Jr and his team need to fight this problem in a different way, because people are going to blame Vinicius Jr. We need to contain those people. Football is not a solution, I think the government needs to start making firm laws on it, and people need to be educated. I always say, no one is born a racist, it's more about education. It's a massive job, I've tried fighting against.
The French national team has reached two International Soccer Tournament finals and remains very strong. In your view, who are the favourites for 2026, and what do you make of Brazil under Ancelotti
I love Carlo Ancelotti as a person, and as a coach. But, Brazil are not filled with Galacticos like they used to be. I hope Neymar is fit to play in the International Soccer Tournament, because he's a symbol for Brazil. He's the only Galactico left in that team. Ancelotti will have to make a massive decision. Because he's an Italian tactician, let's see if Brazil can have a strong structure. They have game changers like Vincius Jr, and Rodrygo before his injury. Brazil trusts Ancelotti because he's a winner. I think he'll get something out of this team. We will see a good version of Brazil under him.
How far do you think Brazil can go in the International Soccer Tournament? Are they stronger favourites than France?
I don't think Brazil are favourites for the International Soccer Tournament, no. But Brazil inspires great football, everyone wants to see them win. As soon as you see the yellow and green shirt, you're happy. I wish them well, but what they've proved recently, it will be tough for them to win the International Soccer Tournament.
Did you ever come close to negotiating a move to a Brazilian club at any point in your career?
Yes, I had some requests when I was playing for Juventus. I think Corinthians were in touch with me but I decided to go back to France and play for Marseille.
Do you think Lionel Messi will stay in the MLS for the rest of his career?
Yeah, I think Lionel Messi will stay in the MLS. I think Inter Miami are building something big. Messi has extended his contract with the club, him and his family sounds really happy with the decision. I don't see him going back to Europe, same with Cristiano Ronaldo. They've already proven everything in Europe, it won't make any sense for them to come back. Karim Benzema did the same, instead of coming back to Europe he joined another Saudi Arabian club. Messi and Ronaldo have proven they're the GOATs, I can't see them coming back.
How badly would you like to see Argentina vs Portugal in the International Soccer Tournament final? One final game between Ronaldo and Messi
One last dance in the International Soccer Tournament final between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would be amazing, they're both the GOATs. I'm not sure if they're the top two teams heading into this International Soccer Tournament, though.
Snoop Dog is involved with Swansea, Ryan Reynold’s Wrexham are nearing the Premier League, Tom Brady’s Birmingham City are wanting to build a giant new stadium, Todd Boehly owning Chelsea, what do you think of the Americanisation of English football?
I've seen Snoop Dog and a lot of American involvement in English football recently. A lot of the older generation are asking 'what is going on? What is this circus?' but this is the new generation. You have to adapt. Those people are making serious money, so why not include them? Whatever Snoop Dog has done throughout his career to stay at the top, that's the same mentality he will do in his business with Swansea. These people are going to create more attention, more sponsors and more money for their clubs. Most of the owners of football clubs know nothing about football, so I support these kinds of things.
I don't like the Americanisation of football though, this is not American Football. I've seen the Hall of Fame for the Premier League, this is not basketball. Even if I get mentioned in it, I won't care. This is football, that's the kind of things I'm against. People have told me we should start seeing cheerleaders at half-time. Come on! Don't kill the British history of football, don't bring in fireworks before a game. This is why I'm against VAR too, it's from American Football, it causes worse decisions and more chaos. I'm welcome to American owners, but not American changes to the sport.
I saw when Todd Boehly suggested an All-Star Premier League game, can you really picture a Man United player playing with a Liverpool player? It won't work. Please don't try bringing an American identity into England.
Did you ever consider a move to the MLS later in your career? If not, why not?
I remember LA Galaxy was interested in signing me, but it never crossed my mind. I went back to Marseille and then went to West Ham. I prefer football in Europe. I do like to travel, but for me, the US was not the time. I didn't want to play just for money or fun, I wanted to win trophies still. I don't blame players who move to the US or Saudi Arabia, if I was offered the same money today, back when I played, I might have changed my mind.
What a life it would have been in LA. I remember visiting Robbie Keane, I saw him live and every time he scored, there were fireworks, it was crazy. Then he headed back to his house in Malibu, and he looked great.
