Theo Walcott Told He Was “Probably Drunk” as Patrice Evra Slams Ex-Arsenal Winger for Opinions That Are “Dangerous for Kids”

Theo Walcott Told He Was “Probably Drunk” as Patrice Evra Slams Ex-Arsenal Winger for Opinions That Are “Dangerous for Kids”

Football debates have always been part of the sport’s culture. Fans argue in pubs, pundits debate on television, and former players often clash over comparisons between different eras. But sometimes those debates take a more heated turn, especially when legendary teams are brought into the conversation.

That is exactly what happened recently when former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott made a bold comparison involving the current Arsenal squad and one of the greatest Manchester United teams ever assembled.

The reaction from former United defender Patrice Evra was immediate — and brutally honest.

Evra, never one to shy away from strong opinions, suggested Walcott must have been “probably drunk” when he made the comparison. The Frenchman even went as far as joking that such comments could be “dangerous for kids” who might believe the claim.

Behind the humour, however, lies a deeper football debate: how does Mikel Arteta’s modern Arsenal team measure up against Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary Manchester United side from the 2007–08 season?

The Team That Defined an Era

For many Manchester United supporters, the 2007–08 squad remains one of the greatest teams in Premier League history.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United combined defensive stability with attacking brilliance. The team featured world-class talent across every position, creating a balanced squad capable of dominating both domestic and European competitions.

The season ended in unforgettable fashion.

Manchester United won the Premier League title and lifted the Champions League trophy after defeating Chelsea in a dramatic final in Moscow. It was the pinnacle of a squad packed with superstars.

At the heart of that team was Cristiano Ronaldo, who produced one of the most remarkable individual seasons the Premier League has ever seen. Supported by players like Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, United’s attack was relentless.

Meanwhile, defenders such as Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić and Patrice Evra ensured the team remained extremely difficult to break down.

For many former players from that era, the achievements of the squad speak for themselves.

Which is why comparisons to newer teams can sometimes trigger strong reactions.

The Debate That Sparked the Controversy

The controversy began when Theo Walcott suggested that Arsenal’s current team under Mikel Arteta could compete with that famous Manchester United side.

Arsenal are enjoying an outstanding campaign this season. Sitting at the top of the Premier League table and playing some of the most exciting football in England, the Gunners have earned widespread praise.

Arteta’s squad blends young talent with experienced leaders. Players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and William Saliba have helped transform Arsenal into genuine title contenders.

From Walcott’s perspective, the team’s development makes comparisons with past champions inevitable.

But not everyone agrees with that idea.

Former United striker Wayne Rooney was asked for his opinion about the hypothetical matchup between the two teams.

His answer was direct.

“Yeah, we’d batter them,” Rooney said.

For Rooney, the quality and experience of the 2008 United squad would simply be too much for the current Arsenal side.

Patrice Evra clearly shares that view.

Patrice Evra Responds in Typical Fashion

Speaking in an interview, Evra reacted strongly to Walcott’s comments.

The former French international did not hold back when discussing the suggestion that Arsenal could rival United’s legendary team.

“I think Wayne Rooney was actually being nice,” Evra said with a smile.

Even though Rooney claimed United would comfortably beat Arsenal, Evra believes the comparison itself should not have been made.

“Walcott is a good friend,” Evra added. “I love him.”

But friendship did not stop the former defender from criticising the statement.

“Those kinds of comments make him a menace on television,” Evra joked. “He should stop doing punditry. This is dangerous for the kids.”

His remarks were clearly delivered with humour, but the message was clear: Evra believes the 2008 Manchester United team belongs in a different category altogether.

“Probably Drunk” – Evra’s Sharpest Line

Evra then delivered the most memorable quote of the debate.

According to the former United defender, Walcott must have been under the influence when he made the comparison.

“Walcott was probably drunk when he said that,” Evra joked.

Then, with his trademark dramatic tone, he added another line that quickly spread across social media.

“If he wasn’t drunk, then he’s dangerous for society.”

The comment was classic Evra — part comedy, part passion, and entirely entertaining.

But beneath the humour lies genuine pride in what that Manchester United squad achieved.

Why Evra Believes the 2008 Team Was Special

For players who were part of Ferguson’s golden era at Old Trafford, the 2007–08 season remains a benchmark.

Evra pointed out that the squad was capable of winning matches even under unusual circumstances.

He referenced an FA Cup match from that period when United defeated Arsenal despite fielding a heavily defensive lineup.

“Even when we played with eight defensive players, we still beat Arsenal,” Evra said.

For him, that result symbolised the mentality of the team.

They could adapt to different tactical situations while maintaining their competitive edge.

“Our team was the GOAT of the Premier League,” Evra declared.

From his perspective, comparing that side to any modern team — including Arsenal’s current squad — is premature.

Respect for Arteta’s Arsenal

Despite his criticism of Walcott’s comments, Evra made it clear that he respects what Arsenal are doing this season.

The Frenchman acknowledged the impressive progress made by Mikel Arteta since taking charge at the Emirates Stadium.

Over the past few years, Arsenal have evolved from a struggling team into genuine title contenders.

Their football is energetic, organised and exciting to watch.

Evra was careful not to dismiss those achievements.

“If Arsenal win the league, they are champions,” he said. “That’s it.”

He even reflected on his own playing career to explain why he tries to avoid being overly critical.

Learning From Past Criticism

Evra recalled that Manchester United themselves faced criticism during one of their title-winning seasons.

When United lifted the Premier League trophy in the 2010–11 campaign, some pundits described the team as the weakest Ferguson side to win the title.

Yet they still finished nine points clear at the top of the table.

“That shows how harsh people can be,” Evra explained.

Because of that experience, he prefers not to diminish what Arsenal might achieve this season.

If Arteta’s team finishes first, they will deserve the title.

Simple as that.

Evra Praises Bruno Fernandes

During the same conversation, Evra also spoke about Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of the most influential players at Old Trafford in recent years.

There were rumours earlier in the season suggesting Fernandes could leave the club, but those concerns appear to have been resolved.

Evra praised both the player and the club for ensuring he remained part of the squad.

“Manchester United nearly lost Bruno at the start of the season,” Evra said.

But the midfielder ultimately chose to stay.

“Players with his quality can go anywhere,” Evra continued. “He could win trophies at other clubs.”

However, Fernandes has remained committed to United.

According to Evra, that decision reflects both loyalty and belief in the club’s history.

“He believes in Manchester United,” Evra said.

Important Weeks Ahead for Arsenal and Manchester United

While debates about legendary teams continue, both Arsenal and Manchester United have important matches ahead.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with a seven-point lead over Manchester City.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand, meaning the title race remains far from settled.

Arteta’s team must now shift their focus temporarily toward European competition.

Their next challenge comes in the Champions League, where they face a difficult away trip to Bayer Leverkusen.

For Manchester United, the situation is slightly different.

The team currently occupies third place in the Premier League table and remains firmly in the race for a Champions League spot.

However, they recently suffered their first defeat under interim manager Michael Carrick.

The result ended a promising run of form, making the next match even more important.

United will face Aston Villa in a crucial fixture that could shape the race for the top four.

With no midweek European or FA Cup commitments, Carrick’s squad has a full week to prepare for the challenge.

A Debate That Will Never End

Football fans love comparing teams from different eras.

Was this squad better than that one? Would today’s champions beat the legends of the past?

The truth is, such questions rarely have definitive answers.

Different generations play in different tactical environments, under different rules and conditions.

But debates like the one involving Theo Walcott and Patrice Evra will always be part of football culture.

They create discussion, spark memories, and keep the history of the game alive.

And judging by Evra’s reaction, they also provide plenty of entertainment along the way.