Former Manchester United defender, Patrice Evra has criticized the club for not appointing Antonio Conte as manager after the Italian’s impressive impact at Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Evra insisted that it still ‘hurts’ that Man United didn’t appoint Conte, who he described as one of the best managers in the world presently, as their next permanent gaffer, adding that the former Inter Milan coach could have done something for the club.

Tottenham appointed Conte last November after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and went on to finish fourth position on the Premier League table, ensuring a return to Champions League football next season.

“It hurts my heart. Because I think Conte, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Pep] Guardiola – all those managers are the best in the world right now and we could have had him at Manchester United,” Evra told Daily Mirror.

“But some people at the club, they said: ‘It’s not our style, it’s not what we are looking for.’

“So, let’s see, now we have Erik ten Hag. Let’s see what he is going to do. He has my support.

“But then, even if you brought a chef in, as the manager of Man United, he would have my full support.

Evra added: “It’s a massive disappointment because he [Conte] could have done something at Man United.

“And you can see with Tottenham, he helped them to qualify for the Champions League.

“That is why I say it hurts. Not because it’s Tottenham – I love every team – but it’s just because Conte could have done something,” he added.

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