Evra warns United to deal with mental fatigue

Patrice Evra has warned Manchester United ahead of Tuesday's clash with West Ham that they are in danger of letting mental tiredness ruin their bid to land a fourth successive Premier League title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side looked lethargic in their shock 3-1 defeat at Everton on Saturday, which allowed rivals Chelsea to open up a four point lead at the top of the table.

It was United's sixth league defeat of the season and what made it more surprising was that it came hot on the heels of their highly impressive Champions League victory against AC Milan in the San Siro.

France international Evra knows Ferguson's men can't afford any more slip-ups if they are to haul in Chelsea, least of all against lowly West Ham at Old Trafford.

But the defender admits Ferguson's squad are suffering from fatigue at just the wrong time and might have lost some of the belief that they can overcome Carlo Ancelotti's leaders.

"Everton was very disappointing and we're very upset. I would like to give an excuse, to say we're very tired after the amazing night in San Siro," Evra said.

"But I don't want to give that excuse because I think we didn't believe we could win.

"Anyway, yes we are tired. Myself, every player, a lot of players have been tired but I think on mentality we lost that game because before the game everyone was just talking about, 'Oh I feel tired, my legs,' you know?

MANCHESTER, England, Monday (AFP)