Patrice Evra’s non-league return as former Man Utd star lines up for Brentham

Patrice Evra made a surprise comeback at the weekend when the former Manchester United star turned out for non-league Brentham FC.

After a career spent at the top of European football including eight years at United and three more with Juventus, Evra hung up his boots last year following a short spell at West Ham.

The left-back was hugely popular with United fans, having helped the Red Devils to five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

And the 81-cap former France ace was back in action on Saturday, skippering Ealing side Brentham in the 11th tier of English football.

Video clips of his comeback went viral on social media, with the 39-year-old seen kicking a ball around in the warm-up, leading the team out as captain, and being applauded by fans as he was subbed off.

In another clip, Evra can be seen taking a throw-in before receiving the ball back and then finding a teammate with a cheeky backheel.

The videos have caused social media users to wonder what spurred him into lacing up his boots again – and fans will be thrilled to know that he will soon be back in action at Old Trafford.

Evra was using the Brentham game to build up his match fitness ahead of his appearance in this weekend’s Soccer Aid charity clash at the Theatre of Dreams.

As he prepares for Sunday’s game, he was left to reflect on a 3-2 defeat for Brentham in their clash North Greenford United.

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He seemed happy with his own performance in the No11 shirt, writing on Twitter : “Thanks for letting me play with you guys. Such a good day, don’t worry Giggsy I honoured your number the best I could.”

On Sunday, Evra will line up alongside the likes of Yaya Toure and Robbie Keane in a World XI, taking on an England team managed by Wayne Rooney.

Rooney’s team is set to feature singer and TV presenter Marvin Humes, fitness guru Joe Wicks, pop star Olly Murs, reality TV star Mark Wright and former pros Wes Brown, David James and Kelly Smith.