Manchester United have completed the signing of French defender Patrice Evra. The 24-year-old has come through his medical and signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Old Trafford outfit.

United are thought to have paid Monaco around £5 million for the player, who should now go straight into Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for tomorrow night's Carling Cup tie with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Evra is United’s second signing since the opening of the transfer window, following the arrival of Serbia and Montenegro defender Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow for £7million.

Evra is likely to be a key figure in France’s World Cup campaign in Germany this summer and is expected to fill the left back berth in the absence of Gabriel Heinze.

Ireland’s John O’Shea and winger Kieron Richardson have been taking turns to deputise in the position but have evidently not impressed the manager.

Heinze is expected to return at the beginning of next season after being ruled out of the World Cup with a cruciate ligament injury.