It’s easy for football fans to get carried away when their team or individual players are doing well. It’s just as easy for fans to lose all faith as soon as a rough patch comes along, forgetting all the superfluous praise being heaped on a week or two before after a fancy bit of football or a great result.
Jonny Evans is one of several United players who this description fits very well. For the two seasons before last, after a £10m offer from Sunderland was rejected, Evans was very impressive when filling in for the injured Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand. As a 20/21-year-old then, who comes from a family of reds, he was being hailed by some (including me) as a future captain, whose solid performances, particularly against top opposition, left many of us ranting and raving about what a player he was going to be.
“Sometimes playing against bigger teams is a bit easier,” said Evans. “You are playing against better players and it raises your concentration levels. But I also know there are plenty of things I need to add to my game before I even think about becoming a top-class centre back at United.”
At the end of that season, Evans was given a well deserved new contract which would keep him at the club until he was 25.
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract,” he said. “I’ve supported Manchester United all my life and it’s a great honour to be able to continue to wear the badge of this great club.”
However, last season, Evans struggled when he was given an opportunity in the team, so much so, the inexperienced Smalling was often preferred to him. Too often he didn’t deal with balls in to the box and too often the finger was pointed at him when goals were conceded.
At the end of the season, when it was rumoured that Sunderland were interested in some of our players, plenty of reds claimed they would be happy to see Evans go. We should have kept Pique anyway…
On the opening day of this season, both Vidic and Rio picked up injuries and were subbed off. Smalling and Evans were their replacements, with Phil Jones joining them in the starting line-up for our next game against Spurs. All three of them put in impressive performances and again we get to sing the praises of our players.
Jones and Smalling, England U-21 team mates over the summer, have done nothing but impress during the pre-season and start of the season. Smalling scored against City in the Community Shield whilst Gary Neville has repeatedly claimed Jones looks like a future United captain. For such young lads, they play with composure and confidence beyond their years and are already both very popular amongst our fans.
However, when Vidic and Rio return from their injury, would our fans want these youngsters to keep their places in the team? The manager has today suggested this is a possibility.
“Rio and Nemanja are aware of the abilities of the young players, there is no question about that,” said Ferguson. “When they are both fit, or one of them is, I will have a decision to make.”
Essentially, United need to strike the right balance. Rio’s reoccurring injuries haven’t had a noticeable negative effect on his form and there is no way you could ever leave Vidic, our captain, out of the starting team if he was available. He is the first name on the team sheet. These two are like a brick wall. It’s hard to name many better defensive pairings, not just at United, or in England, or in Europe, but of all time.
Whilst I would to see the likes of Evans, Smalling and Jones in the team as much as possible, I think we need to be wary of getting carried away. By building them up, you’re only increasing the potential to set them up for a fall, and that would be a terrible shame. It’s probably totally impossible but it would be nice to keep them cocooned for as long as possible. Give them the opportunities in the team against easier opposition or in the cups, without throwing them in at the deep end. They’ve got years ahead of them yet, why rush it? Rio doesn’t have long left, in reality, this is probably his last season as a guaranteed starter, so why not make the most of that?
But, as always, Fergie knows best, and either way, this is a nice dilemma to be presented with.
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No1
Not yet, not against top opposition…young ‘uns still got a lot to learn…
Top dollar that as long as your club captain is fit, he’ll be in the starting XI.
To be honest, and I hate saying it, but when Jones, Smalling and Evans were playing against West Brom I ranked Evans the third performance wise. There were a couple of times he was nearly caught out (I think twice on our left wing, which nearly resulted in a very decent chance on goal).
Even though I hope Evans does well I think Jones and Smalling will become the favoured two. Jones looks like a very capable player to say the least, Smalling can be class, his passing can sometimes let him down.
Where this leaves Evans, I’m not too sure. But then, what the fook do I know.
haha no chance, the old dogs r still got proper juice in them yet. would be interesting to see who Fergie picks to partner Vidic when, when and not if
, Rio gets injured again. Smalling is very Rio-esque in his style of play but a partnership of Jones and Vidic would have attackers shitting bricks 
always good to have choices eh
Sorry to double post
Plus I think this is just SAF trying to keep the morale with the youngsters high. He’s obviously going to bring in Rio and Vidic when fit as they ARE our best two defenders. Just wants to highlight how good the young lads are doing and how much he appreciates them
Of course we still need the so called old guard………..We have so much to look forward to though, the mix of youth and experience is fantastic. The eventual replacement will happen however it will happen gradually
Vida will always be one of the players first on the team-sheet when fit no doubt about that, but don’t think that’s the case with Rio, he’s got a real fight on his hands this year for a place in the team. He’s experience is vital and he’s still a classy player but if I was Rio I would be slightly worried about my place in the team, especially with these niggling injuries and the form of Jonesy, Evans and BIG Chris. He needs to quit England and concentrate getting fit and being the Rio we all know and love but we all know that’s never going to happen.
Briggsy – Na I doubt that is the case, its not the boss’s style, it would be more what wenger would do hype up players better than they actually are. If any player younger than the established is not only doing well for united, but is going to get better the boss will big up their worth. Clearly welbeck cleverly and jones are doing well, the latter 2 really are starting to look like united class. and pressuring ferdinand vidic and hernandez. And the scary thing is, hernandez is only 23
I agree that we shouldn’t get carried away. Experience is always valuable. That’s what makes all the difference between our youth policy and Arsenal’s. (And Sir Alex of course
)
However, I believe it’s time that Rio saw less of the first team even when he’s fit. Either Evans or Jones (and definitely Smalling, providing we don’t need him at right back, ugh) have to take over from Rio now. As for Vida, no way he has to be dropped. On his day, he’s still the best in the world and he’s still in his prime.
So my suggestion when everyone’s fit would be Fabio, Smalling, Vida, Evra. With Jones and Evans seeing a lot of action too in case Smalling plays at right back for tactical reasons.
Football fans, fickle? Who knew?
@fergie is the boss – Don’t get me wrong, I know fergie believes that they are good enough, and quite rightly so, the point I was trying to make is:
When Rio is fit again (supposedly against Arsenal) I think he will bring him straight back into the starting line-up. But saying about the two old guard: “When they are both fit, or one of them is, I will have a decision to make.” is a bit like saying to either jones or evans – You are capable enough, I would like to pick you, just Rio has more experience so has edged you out. Plus it also makes sure that Rio and Vidic don’t become complacent.
Amen Costas.
I agree with Willie….. He hasn’t posted here yet has he? Anyway I agree with him!
Still Rio and Vida for me. Whats the rush anyway? Jones is 19 ffs. Jonny had a mixed year, last season. He was suffering from a lack of confidence. He looks a different player, from what I’ve seen of him this time. Rio has injury concerns, that’s the big problem with him, as I see it. If he can’t stay injury free, then Jones, or Evans will take his place. But, if he’s fit, then he plays for me. The other guy under pressure, is Evra. Fabio will be breathing down his neck. Competition for places is great. It’s healthy for any club. Rafael is a blow for us. Really think the lad has grown into a United player. Both twins will serve his club for many a year. Until those bastards from Spain come calling!
Cheers Cedars. You’re a dear friend.
jones,smalling and evans really do look like they are going to become impressive players
Experience count in more cases
Briggsy – I am with Costas on this matter, rio should play less. Vidic hell no will he be dropped, he is in his prime of 29 so he is in his stam years. Has for carrick giggs and park, are they that much better than cleverly anderson and guys like young and nani I doubt it. Park will play a role in united’s season, but if valencia gets fit and with the form of young and nani how will park get much playing time. United need all these players for this season, like carrick fletcher giggs park berbatov and owen it is a long season, but if anderson cleverly nani young rooney hernandez when he regains his form, along with welbeck realy go from strength to strength, how will those guys get the playing time?
For me the guarantee starters for me are
De gea vidic evra maybe anderson young and rooney. The RB CM LW and one CF position is still up for grabs
Fergie knows best.
Buon Giorno Dio
what a dillemma and young larnell cole in the academy looks another great prospect!
I agree with Costas, Barbagod and Fergie is the boss in their assesment of the central defence scanario. Vidic’s position is guaranteed but Rio hasnever been the player he was for the past three seasons. Yes he is calm and composed when he plays but he never really gives his all to defend like Vidic. I also think Evra should be rested for some games.
I agree no need to rush in the lads straight away, the 25+ apps for the next 2-3 years will have them prepared for when the likes Evra and Rio step down.
Rio has another 2-3 years left in him tops but I reckon SAF will give 2 to go on top of the world like VDS, Scholes.
Paddy being french and ambitious probably also has 2-3 years left because Fabio will be 23/24 by then and will be reaching the age where he needs 40 games a year to gain consistancy & maturity in performances.
Vida also being foreign and 29 turning 30 soon, I give him 4/5 years being club captain and all that.Plus if he avoid injuries he can play till 35 like Lucio.
Whats funny is in 5 years time, our defence will still be young and will still be considered inexperienced by the stupid media.
Rafa & Fabio (26)
Smalling (26)
Jones (24)
Evans (28)
These guys will have the experience of 30 years old by then and can potentially all play for us for another 10 years.
Champions league draw abound!
I meant 2 years to go out on top of the world like VDS and Scholes.
4 me I still need more midfieder, play maker an experience one.
@fergie is the boss
I would Carrick and Park to the list mate.
Fergie, tries to manage freshness in the squad for the whole season. Tahts the reason he said Carrick will start knocking on the door from nov.
Park will ALWAYS play in big games. There is no substitute for him.
According to me there are only 2-3 ppl who are guaranteed their spots.
Rooney. Vidic- because he is captain. and Evra – The only true left footed player we have ( other than Giggsy)
Cracking good read Scott. Good to have you back with these types of posts.
Just popping over from the ROM reads where there is some cracking stuff on on former great Roy Keane.
In the context of the current discussion, one can always wish for a wee bit of old Keano to be handed down to the new generation.
http://www.surrealfootball.com/2011/08/23/greatest-xi-midfielder-roy-keane-c/
Read the article, view the video link. Remember the greatness of the player.
@Clint-iamyourpapii Spot on. hope injuries don’t ruin any of those plans, but we know they will play a part. Who would ever consider Smalling at RB last year? Only Fergie, but that old trickster injury is playing its part.
good articel str. to be honest Evans doesn’t quite inspire the confidence i look for in a center half. Love him to bits as he’s United through and through. He’s one player who has to raise him game. Competition is going to be tight. When vida comes back its a toss up between smalling and Jones. That also depends on the RB situation. If the twins still aren’t fit, we’d probably see vida and jones pairing with smalling on the right. Not so sure if young jones can play RB. Like STR says its a good dilemma to have. i’ll disagree with him on one point though. The young kids need to play. Rio wouldn’t be what he is today if he didn’t get a chance in his younger years. A good mixture of experience and young players is health
Definitely brick wall before youngsters. When we don’t play well they are the two who carry us thru matches. they are definitely still the top dogs at the back for united. leaving vidic out is not even possible at this point. just too good. rio might be a possibility with his injuries.
OMG do these fuckers have to highlight “that night” again
Captain will start if fit. Its okay to reserve Rio for crucial games were experience is needed it will make hi last longer, given utd play on average 1.5 matches a week. I think that was the reason for taking away the captaincy from him the realisation that he needs to be played consercvatively. Otherwise the two are still our brick wall. Youngsters are great but experience is invaluable we can only start comparing if the youngsters get 30+ clean sheets.
Think its only logical for Rio to retire from international duty.
Sir Bobby. A pleasure to see you as well. What a legend!
Such a vision Sir Bobby, this man WAS on the plane. He has won it all.
Between the CL, PL and FA Cup, there’s plenty of playing time for all, in various combinations.
I love the idea that the kids can give the brick wall some rest during the season, keeping them fresh for the late-season push.
Hallo to all.. Of topic: Man UTD, Benfica… In group C of ucl
Not to be difficult but it almost doesn’t matter how well Evans does. We STILL should have kept Pique happy, he is the better player, it is difficult to ignore that fact.
Though he probably would have pulled a Cesc and bolted to Barcelona anyway
One thing to ponder though – De Gea seems to calm his nerve when playing with players around his age. Maybe its the burden of expectation when looking at these 2 brick walls. Or whatever.
But all in all what a nice headache to have!
Rio is a better centre half than all the others. Vidic is a colossus. Together, they are the best.
The kids will get their chances and hopefully play very well. In time they will take over.
I think DeGea can still benefit the most from Rio & Vidic.
Increased confidence, and I think he’ll be more likely to listen/learn from the experienced men with the silverware.
Then hopefully he’ll use his increased wisdom/confidence to command the younger fellas.
But I suppose DeGea should also be building an on field rapport with his future CBs.
Need a balance of young and old I guess.
United @ 17:45: “Not to be difficult but it almost doesn’t matter how well Evans does. We STILL should have kept Pique happy, he is the better player, it is difficult to ignore that fact.”
Spilt milk. Pique has done marvellously well in the Barcelona scheme but at UTD he was something of a liability and, quite clearly, not as good at defending as Jonny Evans. Having said that, maybe SAF made a mistake not “keeping Pique happy” by transforming him into a kind of “libero”/defensive shield. BUT, still-and-all, the guy was always likely to want to return to his roots – just like Fibreglass. Anyhow, spilt milk.
AnomanderRak – na for me ashley young is united’s best wide player, and he along with rooney and vidic are certain starters. He is more effective than nani, and he is just has creative as nani and more. He offers united not only direct pace down the flanks, but he loves to cut inside and have a strike on goal. Young’s arrival has seen united look a few yards quicker since CR7 was at his best. United at their best are al;ways about width, and guys like young are as crucial has rooney and vidic
fuckin spoilt 4 choice Vida is top of the top man for me
Jones and smalling have been fantastic and look 2 b tremendous prospects for me
Rio is top notch but hes made out of balsa wood last season maybe in the weakest postion which seems a strange think 2 say given how good hes been
think jonny comes in 4 a bit of stick done well 4 me so far this campaign
How can you say Young is United’s best winger? No way. He’s only just signed ffs! You’re under rating Nani for a start. Young has done well so far, but it’s still early days. Lets have this same discussion at the end of the season, eh? We can make a better call on it then.
That was for fitb lol.
Smalling can play right back or centre half, Jonny Evans can play left back or centre half, Phil Jones can play centre half or holding midfield, and that’s forgetting the Da Silvas, who can both play left or right back and left or right wide midfield. At a pinch Evra can play right back, and it’s arguable that he should do to re-juvenate his game.Anyway, the great thing about these defenders is how amazingly versatile they all are, and it’s not at all certain yet where each of them will finally settle.
Oh and Anderson can play striker. We know that now. Look out Wazza.
Time To Replace Brick Wall With Youth?
Nope
I think fergie made that comment to give the young lads some confidence and make them believe that if they play well they will be rewarded with more starts.
I dont think he has any plans to leave out a fully fit rio and vida from the team as those 2 are just brilliant.. especially Vidic who IMO is the best defender in the world.
Smalling and Jones are 100% starters, theyve got the lot. Not saying Evans doesnt either but hes a little less physically built than these two.
I think Jones is a player that comes along once in a lifetime, its hard not to build him up. Lets look at the facts here, Jones played more minutes in the premiership last season than any of our CB’s apart from Vidic i think, and he played the previous season too, hes no stranger to premiership football. And this is his time to play regularly, holding him back will do him worse than good in my opinion. You just have to read Pally’s quotes after the spurs game where he says him and Bryan Robson were purring over his performance.
Deep down after watching the barca final, my gut feeling was our defence needed to be strengthened, as Rio Vida and Evra were pulled all over the place, by an amazing team il admit. As far as the prem is concerned i think vida and rio will do the job this season, but in europe we need to up our game, and i think Jones and Smalling bring speed, power and youthful enthusiasm to the team.
we have got enough talent for next 6-7 years…