Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has insisted he’ll do everything to help Alex Buttner settle at Old Trafford, despite the rivalry between the two left-backs.

Buttner joined the Red Devils from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer, and has made eight appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side so far, having been unable to shift Evra in United’s starting XI.

When given the chance Buttner, who scored on his league debut for the Premier League leaders, has impressed, and rather than distance himself from his rival, Evra has revealed how he has been helping the Dutchman settle in.

“I always try to help Alex because I am a United player, not just Patrice Evra,” the Frenchman told United’s official matchday programme. “I want the benefit for the team. If it’s me that is playing well or Alex Büttner, I will be happy.

“I don’t just say that to look good. It’s the truth. I’m not a selfish player and I would hope any of my team-mates would tell you the same thing. I think Alex sees that I’m not a bad guy and I want to help him.

Evra added: “I told him when I first arrived here, in my first six months the Old Trafford pitch looked like an airport!

“It was so big and you had to run so much it felt like my legs burned after games. But that’s normal at first. You need at least six months to adapt to playing here.”