Monday, 24th March, 2014
Manchester United full-back Alexander Buttner is looking forward to playing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals after his first start in the league since September, in the Red Devils’ 2-0 away win against West Ham United on Saturday.
Buttner is likely to take suspended French international Patrice Evra’s place in the first leg against defending European champions Bayern Munich. He spoke at length about his performance on Saturday and the daunting challenge that lies ahead in the form of Bayern Munich.
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“It was a good feeling. It’s a long time since I played a game so it was good for me to play today. I feel good”, he told the club’s official website.
He was happy with the shift he put in against West Ham, especially in defence, which has been Manchester United’s Achilles heel this season.
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“I think defensively I did well. I didn’t lose any one-against-ones. For me, that was the thing I wanted to focus on – my defending – and I think I did a good job.”
Buttner is now looking forward to the challenge that the might of Bayern Munich will present and is ready to test himself against, arguably, the best club side in Europe and the world.
“For me, [Bayern Munich] will be one of the biggest games I’ve ever played in. I’m looking forward to playing. I think everybody dreams to play against them – me as well – and because I train hard I know my chances will come.”
Buttner credits Evra for the leadership that he provides inside the Manchester United dressing room and the importance of his presence in and around him and the team.
“I don’t know if people saw this, but before the game at West Ham, Patrice spoke with me for about five minutes on the pitch. He helped me a lot.
“It’s not like he was hoping I wouldn’t do well. He helps me every day and I appreciate that. He’s been in football for many years and I’ve only been here for two years. In England the football is difficult and Patrice has helped me a lot.”
Manchester United face Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, 1st April.
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