Sir Alex Ferguson is set to give Alexander Buttner his first competitive start for the club against Wigan on Saturday at the expense of Patrice Evra, Mirror Football claim.

The Old Trafford outfit completed a deal to bring the young Dutch left-back to England over the summer, and Buttner is seen as the long-term replacement for the ageing Evra.

Evra has been an ever-present in the Red Devils’ side for the last six years, but it is believed that the legendary Scottish coach is ready to blood the new man slowly but surely into the team.

With the game against Wigan at home a match that United should win on paper, Ferguson is set to reward Buttner for positive showings in training with a start against Roberto Martinez’s men.

Evra did not have his best game in the recent 3-2 win over Southampton, and as such Buttner looks set to get the nod against the Latics.