Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised the France manager, Laurent Blanc, for omitting Patrice Evra from the squad to face Brazil on Wednesday as continued punishment for the defender's role in leading the player revolt during the World Cup.

"He has been punished already [with a five-game ban] and I don't see why he should be punished further unless they are saying he is not good enough," said Ferguson.

"I know he is the best left-back they have. He is one of the best left-backs in the world, I can't think of anyone who is dramatically above him. Laurent Blanc was a player here. He knows that anyone playing for Manchester United is playing at the highest level."