MANCHESTER United defender Patrice Evra is driven on by the fear of failure at Old Trafford.

The former Monaco star has found his feet at the club after a difficult first year and could start against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third-round match tomorrow.

With the likes of Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre around, Evra realises he is under constant pressure to keep performing well.

'If I slip up in one game, I might never play again,' he told MUTV.

'It is a good challenge for me and keeps the adrenaline flowing.

'A few months ago I was not playing my best football. I have to work hard every day in training - and that is something I am doing.

'There is always competition for places here. I am very lucky to play at Manchester United.'

Evra has a bond with the supporters as well, adding: 'When you see fans waiting hours in the rain, you need to stop and sign autographs.

'Players exist because of the supporters and the ones who follow United are special.

'When I was on holiday, people kept coming up to me because I played for the club. They have fans all over the world.'

Silvestre, meanwhile, is intent on getting a run in the side.

'If you are not in the team or appearing on television, people think you are dead,' the Frenchman told the club's magazine Inside United.

'Anyway, I am looking forward to more first-team opportunities either at left-back or centre-back, wherever the manager needs me.'

With Louis Saha ruled out with a groin strain, Henrik Larsson is set to make his debut for United after arriving on loan from Helsingborg.

'The former Barcelona and Celtic striker looks likely to partner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer up front.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping the Swedish star makes an immediate impact, saying: 'This is a guy that has been at the top end of striking for over a decade.' - PA Sport.